For a decade and a half, Barry Trotz WAS the Nashville Predators. He was the team’s first coach, bringing hockey to Music City and (possibly apocryphally) naming the team.

When Trotz came back to town for the first time, this time as coach of the Capitals, you just knew Nashville would welcome him with a big gesture. He’s that important to the city.

Early in the first period, the Predators debuted this touching video. The organization also thanked assistant coaches Lane Lambert and Mitch Korn.

Predators Video Salute for Barry Trotz

Tribute Video Showing Crowd Reaction

As an image of Trotz came on the jumbotron, 17 thousand people at Bridgestone Arena rose to their feet and saluted the coach for more than 90 seconds.

Once the video ended, Trotz waved to the crowd and tapped his heart. He wiped a tear from his eyes.

GIFs

“With a wave of the hand, he salutes the sell-out crowd inside of Bridgestone Arena,” Joe Beninati said. “He’s got a long hockey lifetime in front of him but in a sense, that was a lifetime achievement award for his efforts in this city.”

What a wonderful moment.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Preds