The Nashville Predators' public relations team found themselves in an unexpected situation after a recent "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) skit poked fun at the team's name. The skit, featuring host Miles Teller, highlighted the potential awkwardness of the team's name when taken out of context, particularly in relation to community outreach programs.
The "NHL Cares" segment on SNL presented a scenario where actors, donning jerseys of different NHL teams, were filming public service announcements about their charitable work. Teller, representing the Predators, expressed discomfort with the line, "I'm a Predator in my community," recognizing the double meaning of the word. The skit played on this discomfort, with other lines including references to volunteering in hospitals to make sick kids feel touched, and his name being “Chase Kid, right wing Predator”. The comedic bit quickly gained traction online, prompting a response from the Predators themselves.
In a lighthearted reaction, the Predators' social media team posted on X, "Wait, is this f— play about us?". The team then used the attention to direct fans to their own charity, the Preds Foundation, writing, "While you're here, learn more and donate to support the @PredsFoundation work in Nashville and middle Tennessee!".
The Preds Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that channels the excitement of sports toward the needs of the Nashville community. The team's community outreach day in July involved prospects and staff volunteering with local organizations, including building furniture for teachers and cleaning the Cumberland River.
The SNL skit aired shortly after the Predators defeated the Calgary Flames 4-2 at Bridgestone Arena. Despite the team's recent victory, the skit underscored the challenges faced by teams struggling to find consistency, and presented an opportunity to engage with their fan base.
Some analysts suggest that the Predators can leverage the attention from the skit to rally fan support and improve their public image. Even though the skit poked fun at the team, it also served to highlight the Predators' community involvement. By acknowledging the joke and directing fans to their foundation, the Predators' PR team aimed to turn an awkward situation into a positive one.
The incident sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some fans finding the skit humorous and others viewing it as an unnecessary jab at the team. Regardless, the Predators' response demonstrates a willingness to engage with the humor and use it as a platform to promote their charitable efforts.
The Predators are scheduled to host the Vancouver Canucks on November 3rd at Bridgestone Arena. The team's performance in the upcoming games could further shift the narrative and help solidify their image, potentially overshadowing the SNL skit with positive achievements.
