The leading goal-scorer for the Nashville Predators has been added to the 2016 NHL All-Star Weekend.
The team announced Thursday 28-year-old James Neal had been added to the weekend which was set to take place in Music City.
Neal recorded his 200th career goal earlier in January, and this has been set to be his third appearance at an All-Star Weekend. It’s his first as a Predators player.
James Neal has been added to #NHLAllStar Weekend in Nashville! From @TomAWillis: https://t.co/qoN73YMUFJ pic.twitter.com/sAZhpxuKkv
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) January 28, 2016
“History has shown there are certain guys who are able to rise to the occasion when the game is on the line. When you have parity, you have to find some guys that can make a difference and James Neal seems to have that quality,” Predators General Manager David Poile said. “That’s kind of his moniker if you will, ‘big deal Neal.’ He gets that because of coming through in big-time situations and scoring these big goals.”
Neal was joining teammates Shea Weber, Roman Josi and Pekka Rinne at the All-Star Weekend in Music City. The four made a franchise-record total for Nashville.
Events for the All-Star Weekend were scheduled to begin Thursday with NHL Fan Fair presented by Bridgestone at Music City Center opening to the public at 4 p.m.
“It is always a great honor to be selected to play in the All-Star Game, but to be able to do so in front of the hometown fans and in the city of Nashville makes it even more special,” Neal said. “I want to thank the Predators organization, my teammates and coaches for helping me reach this accomplishment.”
