Predators Celebrate Pekka Rinne Before Hall of Fame Induction
Nashville honored former goalie Pekka Rinne on November 3, his 44th birthday, ahead of his Hockey Hall of Fame induction. The celebration coincided with a cancer-fund event before the Predators hosted Carolina.
The Nashville Predators marked Pekka Rinne’s 44th birthday on November 3 with the start of a week celebrating the former goaltender ahead of his Hockey Hall of Fame induction on November 9. Rinne was scheduled to wear the team’s Hometown Remix uniform and take part in the ceremonial puck drop before Nashville’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Bridgestone Arena.
The game night was also the Predators’ first of two Hockey Fights Cancer events benefiting the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Rinne and former Predators player Shea Weber founded the fund.
Rinne said the birthday had become meaningful after several important moments in his career fell on November 3, including the signing of a seven-year contract. He said he was especially looking forward to sharing the Hall of Fame celebrations with his family, including relatives who live in Finland.
In 683 games for Nashville, Rinne recorded 369 wins and 60 shutouts. A four-time NHL All-Star, he won the Vezina Trophy in 2018 and the King Clancy Award in 2021, and helped lead the Predators to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final.
Rinne said his connection to Nashville and the Predators organization mattered alongside his accomplishments on the ice. The team entered the matchup with a 5-4-5 record, while defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina was 12-2-2.