![]() 4wBB639rBy- Nashville Predators July 13, 2021 It's impossible to put into words what Pekka Rinne means to the Nashville Predators, the fans and the city of Nashville. Pekka Rinne announced his retirement from the NHL today. And I get to share that special moment with everybody.Pekka Rinne announced his retirement this morning after 15 seasons in the NHL. Even thought they’re going to be celebrating me, it’s still a team effort. In a moment like that, you start reflecting back and thinking about the players you’ve played with, the coaches you’ve had, and all the people that have helped along the way. I was fortunate to play for the same team for such a long time. When I came to the league, there had always been great Predators players and there always will be. Even though people talked about it when I announced my retirement, I never thought it would actually happen.” He continued, “Being the first Pred to have a jersey retired is a huge honor. It was a total surprise when David called me. It’s an unbelievable feeling, thinking about my jersey being retired. “When you skate into some of the older buildings, you see all the great players’ retired jerseys. That’s my dream and I appreciate the Preds Foundation’s commitment to support me in that.”Īs the conversation drew to a close, Rinne discussed his excitement about having his jersey retired. Hopefully that work will always be there and continue. I’ve never wanted to be recognized off the ice or seek publicity, but I’ve been fortunate to work with some charities that are really close to me. I’m sure people will remember me from the ice, but I hope they remember me off the ice. This led Rinne to reflect on his time in Nashville and how he would like to be remembered when people think of him. However, Rinne laments, “the only thing that doesn’t work with the Dad Life schedule is the eight-hour time difference-games start at 3 or 4 AM Finnish time.” Turning back to hockey, Rinne explains that he stays as up to date on the Predators as he can, talking to “the guys” and the front office staff, and mentions that Predators goaltending coach Ben Vanderklok sends him videos and keeps him involved. Being home in Finland with his family makes for “a very simple life right now.” A quick turn of the webcam revealed what appeared to be Rinne’s personal copy of the Vezina Trophy. He smiled as he turned his camera to show how his father had collected all of his jerseys, team pictures, medals, and even referenced “some other stuff” on the other side of the room. “When you’re a dad you start to really appreciate the family time-time with grandparents.” He took this opportunity to point out that he and his family were actually visiting his parents’ house at the moment and that he was participating in the Zoom call from his old room. Of course, being back in Finland during the NHL season is definitely something new to Rinne and he seems to be adjusting quite well. ![]() ![]() I’m enjoying every minute of it.” When asked to describe the best parts of fatherhood, he said, “To see his growth and how he learns something new every day. The conversation turned to fatherhood, “Being a dad is absolutely the best. It’s been amazing to spend more time with my family.” But after that passed, I was still happy with my decision and at peace with myself. Rinne described how felt as opening night approached this season, “I was getting a familiar feeling in my stomach-that it’s game time and I’m in the wrong place, sitting at home. The conversation turned to retirement and something else recently new to Pekka Rinne: fatherhood. It’s a pretty inauspicious venue for finding out that yours will be the first number retired in the team’s franchise history, but that’s what life is like right now for the retired Finnish netminder: normal. I think for half a minute I was just speechless. He just congratulated me and broke the news. She was totally fine, but I was sitting in my car when David called me. “I was actually taking our dog to the vet. Soon after, we had a chance to talk to him and catch up with the Predators legend. The Nashville Predators made the announcement Wednesday morning that Pekka Rinne’s number 35 was going to be retired on February 24, 2022. Retired Predators goalie Pekka Rinne reflects on retirement, fatherhood, and his number being the first to hang in the rafters of Bridgestone Arena
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