NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Music City finally is ready to show the NHL just how big a party this town can throw, and it's only fitting that Barry Trotz will be back coaching in Nashville's first All-Star Game.
Trotz helped build hockey in Nashville, coaching the Predators' from their expansion start in 1997, and he earned a trip to this All-Star Game thanks to the Washington Capitals. His star player, Alex Ovechkin, is staying home with a lower-body injury, but Trotz will be coaching the Metropolitan Division in Sunday's game.
The coach sees this weekend as personally fulfilling.
Trotz says he knows Nashville will put on probably the best All-Star Game the NHL has ever seen.
This weekend will feature lots of concerts, an outdoor ice rink and even fire pits with s'mores.