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Ryan Johansen named Nashville’s Honorary Mayor for the day

By Cara Bahniuk

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June 5, 2017 3:27 pm

The city of Nashville has fully embraced the Predators’ quest for the Cup and it wasn’t any different on Monday. After announcing June 5th as #PredsPride Day, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry was joined on stage by a person who we’re just happy can walk again.

“He’s a big guy, with a big game, a big heart, and even though he is not playing right now, he is doing everything he can to help his teammates win,” Mayor Barry said during the press conference. “Will you please help me welcome Predators Center Ryan Johansen.”

Johansen was named Nashville’s Honorary Mayor for the day.

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After accepting a number 7 MAYOR jersey, Johansen addressed the crowd and called the event an “honor.”

Ryan Johansen: “Obviously it’s been a couple tough weeks going through the whole process with the injury. I wish I was out there with the guys right now playing, but I couldn’t be more proud of this city and the fans and everyone coming together, just like this even we’re doing right now. With Nissan donating this car – how sweet is that thing right there. Everything from top to bottom has been first class with this city, and this town, and this community. The fans, I really have no words for it. As players we come on the ice and we are so proud to be able to wear this jersey and play in front of you guys. You have no idea how special it is for us and I am so proud to be a Nashville Predator. Being here and going through this – being able to watch these guys in the Stanley Cup Final, as hard as it is not playing, I am so proud of those guys. Watching them everyday, and being around them everyday. They throw it all on the ice and I think that’s what you guys are so proud of, too, and watching the games and seeing how hard those guys work. They leave it on the ice everyday and that is why we have so much confidence as a community here and going forward that we can find a way to get this done. Thank you, again, Mayor Barry for this honor. It is so cool and special for me to do this. Go Preds!”

Mayor Barry also spoke about other things the city is doing to support the Preds. Along with naming her Mayor counterpart for the day, she announced the city will be adding more space and security for the outdoor viewing parties. The city of Nashville will rename Fifth Avenue “Predators Way” for the remainder of June. Fifth Avenue cuts right through downtown Nashville, and runs next to Bridgestone Arena.

She also announced that Nissan is donating a specially-painted Predators’ car which will be auctioned for charity.

Headline photo: @MayorMeganBarry

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