As Steve Sullivan is contemplating retirement and the next move in his life, it got me to thinking about my own hat trick of memories from Steve’s time in Nashville.
I remember that night like it was yesterday, my eldest son and I got to the arena early, like we normally did, got our snacks and settled into our seats in section 310… ready to get loud and welcome the newest member of the Nashville Predators, Steve Sullivan who acquired by trade two days earlier from Chicago. It didn’t take long for Sullivan to make a lasting impact on Pred Nation.
Less than ten minutes into the game, Sullivan scored his first goal in Pred Colors on a one timer, two and a half minutes later he scored again and completed his hattie twelve and a half into the second period, propelling the Predators to a desperately needed 7-3 win over San Jose and starting a 30 points in 24 games run that made the difference in Nashville making its first ever playoff appearance. It simply wouldn't have happened without him.
The Timmins Tornado has been electrifying to watch, speed, touch, grit, passion… all the things embodied in the phrase “Predator Hockey.” That was watching Steve Sullivan play. His influence helped make the Predators what they were. A hard working, under the radar, act you’ve been there before kind of team. Kinda like his career... His chemistry with David Legwand, JP Dumont, Jason Arnott… all contributed to a significant run of playoff appearances. His very presence in Nashville made it easier to get free agents to come to town, like Paul Kariya.
His re-signing in 2009 was also a statement, I remember his appearance on my radio show right after his signing that night, talking about the negotiations and how happy he was to be staying in Nashville… his professionalism was simply wonderful to hear. I still remember the Tweet he sent out “House NOT for Sale!” His father Ken became a regular fixture on the pregame show that Greg Pogue and I hosted over the years, giving a real world insight into his son and how he handled things.
Not only was Sullivan a big contributor on the ice, his involvement in Middle Tennessee was even more important. He and his wife Kristin was always involved in local charity work, giving back to the community, making a difference in other peoples lives. Being an example of how a professional athlete should act and unafraid to share that wisdom and experience with younger players.
Steve went through his greatest challenge as a hockey player in Nashville. Sullivan suffered a back injury against Montreal in February 2007, an injury initially thought to be one he would get over quickly… but that wasn’t the case. He missed the rest of the 2006/2007 season. Then missed the entire 2007/2008 season, and the first half of 2008/2009. He stayed involved by working some of the broadcasts, showing a talent for analysis, but Pred Nation wondered if they would ever see him skate again. But early in 2009, word began to leak out that he was ramping up his workouts, skating again.
That was the second night etched into my memory. January 10, 2009 is when Steve Sullivan returned to the Predators lineup, hopping over the boards to one of the louder non-playoff roars I have ever heard at the arena. He came back, when a lot of folks were doubting he could… he not only came back… but came back strong, not missing a game of the 2009/2010 season. His comeback would be recognized with the Bill Masterton Trophy, becoming the first Predator player to be honored with a major end-of-season NHL award.
His drive and determination was the base of the Predators’ first playoff series win. It was a sad day for Pred Nation when the team made the hard decision not to re-sign Sully in 2011. The move was understood by all and eased a bit by Sullivan stating that he would make Nashville his home when he hung up his skates. Steve moved on to a season in Pittsburgh, then played last year in Phoenix. It was in Coyotes colors that the completion of my memory hat trick happens.
On Valentine’s Day 2013, just four days short of the ninth anniversary of that epic hat trick in his first game as a Predator, Sullivan returned to Nashville for his first game since leaving the team. The Game Ops team had a special tribute ready to go for the first TV timeout of the game. A video Thank You to Sully. The first TV timeout came, the video played, and the emotion on Steve’s face was obvious, fighting back and trying to remain focused on the game, he couldn't help but smile that crooked grin and acknowledged the cheers from the Bridgestone Arena crowd… thanking him for being a part of Pred Nation… and letting him know he was welcome to come back… anytime.
That time... as it does with all players, may finally be here.
Thanks for the memories Steve, your Nashville family will welcome you and you wonderful family back with open arms and open hearts… whatever you choose to do, you will always have a home in Smashville.
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