A quick update… our good buddy Marshall has been declared in remission! I have to admit, I fill up just typing that. For those not aware of Marshall’s story, he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma back in October and dropped the puck at the second Hockey Fights Cancer night in March at Bridgestone Arena.
Marshall declared himself “Ewing Sarcoma’s worst enemy” on his Caring Bridge page at the start of this journey, those were not empty words, he proved it. Marshall flat out kicked its ass. During a long series of difficult chemo, he kept his spirits up and never wavered in his resolve. His is an absolute inspiration and I am proud to call him my friend.
Marshall is planning on being back to complete his senior year of high school and is also determined to be back on the rugby team to help them defend their state championship. I’ll put nothing out of the reach of this remarkable young man. His parents have done an amazing job raising an incredible person.
The staff at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital has done an awesome job, however, treatment like this is expensive. The medical expenses over this period have been astronomical for this great family. There is an account set up at a local bank to help defray these expenses, I know times are tough… but if you can spare a few extra bucks, send it to…
Marshall Billingsley Contribution Account
c/o Regions Bank
5204 Maryland Way
Brentwood, TN 37027
I can’t wait to see Marshall cheering on the Preds come October.
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Random Notes
- I have to say, coming from an area that gets a negative reputation from a few idiots, I feel for Vancouver fans. A small group (in the grand scheme) of idiots decide to cause problems and the whole city gets painted with that brush. It is simply not right.
- So, when do we finally tire of booing Commissioner Bettman? Jeez, all he’s done is expand the game, increase revenues, make agreements to make franchises more stable, put plans in place to help Canadian franchises who were struggling, and bring a franchise back to Canada. Oh yeah, he once worked for the NBA, that must be it… Sometimes it just gets silly…
- Boston definitely showed that heart wins championships… what a time to be a New England sports fan… they now have seen a championship for all four major leagues in the past seven years.
- Boston’s Stanley Cup Parade is scheduled for tomorrow.
- Focus now shifts to the NHL Awards and the draft.
- TV Ratings for the NHL playoffs continue its upward surge. Wednesday’s game seven was the most watched NHL game in 38 years with over 18 million viewers in the US and Canada.
- Once again, Nashville was in the top ten for NHL market ratings for game seven. Memphis, Knoxville and Birmingham also posted solid numbers.
- A couple of signings in Pred Nation… Teemu Laakso was re-signed to a one year, two-way contract. The Predators also announced the signing of Finnish right wing Juuso Puustinen from the Finnish Elite League.
- Congratulations to Peter Horachek for being elevated to the Associate Head Coach role recently vacated by Brent Peterson.
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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!
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COMING UP ON THE NEXT SLAPSHOT RADIO…
Our latest podcast is posted… coming up this Wednesday we will preview the NHL Awards and the NHL Draft. Our guests include the Director of Recruitment and Education Services for the OHL, Joe Birch and NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman. Wednesday at 6pm on Nashville’s Sports Radio WNSR.
You can get check out our podcasts at
the SlapShot Radio podcast 
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • 
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