On Monday, the Nashville Predators hit the ice for their morning skate, but this time with an extra tiny player on the first line.
The Predators, with the assist from Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee, signed three-year-old Asher Collier to a two-day contract. He is officially the youngest free agent the Predators have ever signed.
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The #Preds have a new top line player. #AsherSmasher @PredsNHL @MakeAWishMidTN pic.twitter.com/CtLWKPtf27
— Robby Stanley (@RStanleyNHL) March 18, 2019
Collier, a huge hockey fan, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and short bowel syndrome. The day began with Collier being presented with a bag full of hockey equipment and a Predators jersey from the Predators’ assistant general manager, Brian Poile.
Poile, of course, had to announce the new signing to the media.
“I know you guys all thought we were all done, trade deadline being over, but we are not done,” Poile said. “This is our biggest free agent signing, our youngest free agent signing. We’re starting younger and younger.”
Poile also mentioned that Collier was headed straight to the first line.
Once Collier got suited up, he hit the ice for morning skate and started off with some practice shooting on his favorite goalie Pekka Rinne.
Morning Skate shots on Pekka! 🏒🥅@MakeAWishMidTN pic.twitter.com/dNqRtH7nTi
— Preds Foundation (@PredsFoundation) March 18, 2019
Collier also had a chance to get some scoring practice with “Mr. Scoresberg” himself.
Newest addition to the JOFA(A) line! Asher is suited up and getting lessons from Mr. Scoresburg himself! 💛💙@MakeAWishMidTN pic.twitter.com/oXItYutObh
— Preds Foundation (@PredsFoundation) March 18, 2019
“You’re not just putting your gear on and going out and practicing, you get to put smiles on a kid’s face,” Ryan Johansen said to NHL.com, “So it’s been fun getting to know him and having him in the team picture and seeing him cruising around having a fun day.”
Already one of the guys. 🏒#Preds | @MakeAWishMidTN pic.twitter.com/hM4dgv0pY8
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) March 18, 2019
Collier and his family will be at Bridgestone Arena to watch the Predators take on the Toronto Maple Leafs Tuesday night. Collier will also be joining Pekka Rinne on his walk from the locker room to the ice before the game begins.
Next week, on March 24 Collier will turn four-years-old and will go to his eighth surgery consultation with his family.
But now he can say he’s an NHL player.
Headline image: @RStanleyNHL
