Fans of the Nashville Predators were heartbroken after the team fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games of the Stanley Cup Final. One fan has reached out to the team to give them encouragement.
A video posted on Facebook by Reagan Mendile showed a message to the Preds players from 3-year-old daughter, Wrigley.
The video starts with Wrigley’s face in her hands, obviously sad that the Stanley Cup was hoisted in Music City by the now 2-time NHL champion Penguins.
“Hi Preds,” Wrigley began. “I’m sorry you didn’t win. I know you’re sad, and I’m sad too.”
Wrigley then perks up and gives the team and all of Smashville some well-earned perspective.
“You shouldn’t be sad because you did great!” she said.
Nashville was the 16th seed in a playoff field of 16 teams, overcoming higher seeds through each step of the way – beginning with a sweep of the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks in round one.
Momentum grew in Nashville and across the country among hockey fans and novices, anxious to cheer on a true underdog and see sports history made.
After additional series wins over the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks, the Preds carried the momentum into the best-of-seven championship round.
Even after losing twice in Pittsburgh to start the series, the Predators came back to Bridgestone Arena and smashed their way back to even the series. The city became electric with the excitement of Southern Hockey and the chance to do the unthinkable – win Lord Stanley’s cup by upsetting the reigning champion Penguins.
It wasn’t to be. After losing 6-0 in Game 5, the Predators ultimately lost their 4th game of the Final – and Pittsburgh became the first team to win back-to-back championships since the 1990s.
With her message to the team, Wrigley put the Preds’ season in perspective.
“I can’t wait until next year – it’s going to be so much fun!” she said. “You did a great job guys. I can’t wait until next season. Pekka Rinne, Mike Fischer, PK Subban – all of you guys, I’m so proud of you.”
Reagan Mendile said Wrigley’s dad, Steve Mandile, plays in the house band, the Small Time Rockstars, during intermissions at the games. Wrigley has been going to almost all of the home games since the womb and watches most of the away games, so she’s no bandwagon fan. She’ll tell you her best friend is Gnash. She knows the team. She knows Smashville.
Wrigley would also tell you, she knows this team will be back next year – hungrier than ever to be playing Southern Hockey in June 2018.
“I love you guys. Go Preds!” she said, before blowing a kiss.
