You could argue that Verbeek's best trade was San Jose 's third-round pick in 2024 for unsigned college defenseman Henry Thrun. Is Coach Ken Niumatalolo on the Hot Seat? The players of value Verbeek had didn't match last year's . That means that they need to come to an agreement this year on a contract, or Brown will be tagged again. Dec 2022 - Present4 months. A former defender in the English Premier League, Hines was named the Club . Is Coach Rick Stockstill on the Hot Seat. With two weeks remaining during the regular season, Brett Bouchy sold his controlling interest in the team to The Pearsall Holdings LP for an undisclosed amount. His motto in life is Always Stand for Something So You Dont Fall For Anything!. During the 2007 season, the Predators inaugurated the "Predator Fan Hall of Fame". Skip to content. On September 28, 2009, the Predators announced their return to play for the 2010 season as a member of the new Arena Football 1 league, until that league purchased the AFL's assets and assumed the AFL's history. Fleck (Western Michigan) 2015 Tom Herman (Houston) 2021 Orlando Predators Coaching Staff 2021 Orlando Predators Coaching Staff Liked by Monty Meadows. PROUD MEMBER OF THE NAL . With a 414 record in 2012 under first-year head coach Bret Munsey, the Predators missed the playoffs for the first time since their inaugural season in 1991. [1] But more than three years would go by until the Orlando Predators franchise was finally secured by Davey Johnson, Tracy Allen and Mike McBath on February 14, 1991. 2022 Week 4 - Carolina Cobras vs Orlando Predators. The Orlando Predators announced that they have re-signed former Nittany Lion Richy Anderson for the 2023 National Arena League Season adding depth to the offense. He has 16 years of coaching experience along with holding multiple titles within youth football organizations across Central Florida.From 2005-2016 Coach Alex was a head coach & the President of the Pop Warner Azalea Park Panthers & brought home a Central Florida Championship. Orlando needed a quarterback. We are constantly tweaking our formula so that we can find the sweet spot of when a coach is technically on the hot seat. In just their second season in 1992, they advanced to ArenaBowl VI,[3] only to fall to the Detroit Drive, who won their fourth title in five years. Jay Gruden, 1998-2001, 2004-05 64-38 .627 Fran Papasedero, 2002-03 22-13 .629 Perry Moss, 1991-97 67-31 .684 KANSAS CITY HEAD . Governor & President of Hockey Operations. Tickets cost Rp30000 - Rp70000 and the journey takes 56 min. During the week of June 18, 2016, the entire Arena Football League, including the hometown Predators, displayed patches and stickers "ORL" as a remembrance of the victims killed in the Pulse Nightclub massacre. We would like to welcome Coach Boodah as our 2023 Head coach of the Preds 6U Flag team Even though he isstarting his first year with the East Orlando Preds, this is his fourth year coaching youth football overall. The True Hiring Score or THS is compiled by a complex formula bringing together many different factors. [12] In May 2014, it was announced that majority owner David Pearsall had sold the team to an undisclosed ownership group,[13] but the team was taken over by the AFL. Feb 04, 2006 at 12:00 am. Orlando Predators coach Rob Keefe, who helped the Spokane Shock win three combined titles in af2 and the Arena Football League as a player or coach, will return to the Pacific Northwest to face . Enter Search Term. The Orlando Predators are back with a bang this year. Meris will stay in Phoenix through Monday night, when ArenaBowl XI will be played there between the Arizona Rattlers and the Iowa Barnstormers. The team moved to Amway Center, the new arena in Orlando, for the 2011 season. Executive Offices: 8701 Maitland Summit Boulevard Orlando, FL 32810 Phone: (407) 951-8200 Fax: (407) 875-0392: General E-mail: orlandoprohockey@gmail.com The Orlando Predators have suspended team operations as of Wednesday, according to a statement released by the Arena Football League team organization. The Kansas City Chiefs have had more movement on their staff than they have had in the last five years. Anderson, is the son of former Nittany Lion great and NFL running back Richie Anderson and was selected first-team all-area and second-team all met as a senior at Governor Thomas Johnson High School. After moving to the new Amway Center, the majority of "PredHeads" sat in section 114, and tailgated under I-4 in lot 9. Jay Gruden was formerly an outstanding Arena Football quarterback, leading the Tampa Bay Storm to four ArenaBowl championships, and then served one year as offensive coordinator for the Nashville Kats prior to becoming head coach of the Predators. May 12, 2006 at 12:00 am. . Most days he's the first one on the field, happy just to smell the freshly cut grass and snap up his . . Coach Lucca started coaching for the Preds in 2018 as an Assistant Coach on 6U Flag and only missed the playoffs by 1 game! Orlando, Florida, United States. Following the end of the season, Munsey was released as head coach. During Tiger's career in the AFL, he has compiled three consecutive 2,000-yard seasons, accomplishing the feat in 2011, 2012 and 2013. That verdict came from someone who should know: Predators Coach Jay Gruden. Orlando Sentinel. Train operators. Jeffrey Kammer, M.D., Jeffrey Mattingly, M.D., Sylvia Groth, M.D. Is Coach Rick Stockstill on the Hot Seat. The Predators maintained their organization and web presence after the AFL suspended operations in August 2009. Owners are excellent people with great care for players and staff. Alternatively, Railink operates a train from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Manggarai hourly. not a lot of eyes for the players," Predators Coach Jay Gruden said. Most Valuable Coach. 2022 Week 3 - Albany Empire vs Orlando Predators. 7:00 PM ET. Assistant GM & Director of Scouting. * Worked with employers to find students employment . After his senior season, Anderson was invited to play in the Big 33 Classic, the Chesapeake Bowl and the Maryland Crab Bowl. Head Football Coach and VP of Football Operations at Orlando Predators Arena Football League Oct . After that, he transitioned into the Preds 10U OC for 2 years making appearances at the Super Bowl each year. While his exact title hasn't . Coach Troy has a coaching winning percentage of .914 (91%). Gruden spent two seasons as a graduate assistant on Coach Howard Schnellenberger s staff. Awards. One noted administrator for the Predators was Pro Football Hall of Fame lineman, Jack Youngblood, who came to the Predators in 1995 as vice-president and then later, president of the organization. The Predators finished 11-5 after losing in the playoff semifinals to Iowa, 52-34, Saturday night. 1996 Orlando Predators Football Coaches and Staff. Orlando won the ArenaBowl in 1998 and 2000 under Gruden's coaching. . Menu. 2022 Week 6 - San Antonio Gunslingers vs Orlando Predators. We are sponsored by the Orlando Predators of the . The team was most recently owned by Orlando Predators LLC, a company owned by David A. Siegel, and played its home games at Amway Center. On September 5, 2012 Plank became head coach of the 4-14 Orlando Predators of the AFL. Team Cardiovascular Physician and Surgeon. Tyler Barrett, M.D., Jeremy Brywczynski, M.D. Coach Lovelace started his tackle coaching career as the 10U RB coach with the Preds in 2018. Damri operates a bus from Jakarta Airport to Gambir Station every 15 minutes. It was then that the team acquired veteran quarterback Aaron Garcia in a trade with the San Jose SaberCats. Orlando, Florida Area. Barry Trotz became the Nashville Predators' first coach back in 1997. Career Playoff Record: 2-3 . He requires accountability from every player he coaches to themselves and the team as a whole. <p>The Orlando Predators announced Wednesday afternoon its team has folded. Coach (Current Employee) - Amway Center - December 31, 2021. . Now he will become the team's second general manager on July 1. The team was founded in 1991 as an expansion team of the AFL. He uses his role as a mentor to his players to encourage them to develop their abilities as leaders.An accomplished football player and multi-sport athlete in his younger days, Coach Mike enjoy every opportunity to live his passion for football while giving back to the community by guiding the next generation of student-athletes. However, they are 0-3 in ArenaBowls. 2022 Week 7 - Columbus Lions vs Orlando Predators. He was Orlando's head coach from 1998 to 2002 when he resigned to play. Is Coach Philip Montgomery on the Hot Seat? His primary focus as a head coach has been football for the past 4 years, both flag and tackle, concentrating on player development across all experience levels. ORLANDO PREDATORS HEAD COACHING RECORDS Coaches, Years Record Pct. Steckel was previously the tight ends coach for the Titans, but . We are constantly tweaking our formula so that we can find the sweet spot of when a coach is technically on the hot seat. "We will look at every aspect of the team," Meris said. NFC. Kenny McEntyre and the newly-launched Orlando Predators introduced former player and assistant Doug Miller as the team's head coach today at Amway Center. Annually among the league-leaders in attendance, they qualified for the playoffs in 18 consecutive seasons, the longest streak in the original AFL. * Hosted weekly workshops focused on preparing student for working in their field of study. The 2010 season was the Predators' 19th and final season at Amway Arena. Charlotte. Railink. The Edmonton Oilers have acquired defenseman Mattias Ekholm and a 2024 sixth-round pick from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2023 first-round pick, defenseman Tyson Barrie, forward Reid . In 2008, he was a seasonal assistant on the Atlanta Falcons staff. In 2021, he took a year off due to covid. In 2000, Herkie Walls was inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame. Bill Parcells was the head coach in 2006. Following a rigorous pre-season camp, the coaching staff compiled a "Watch List" of veteran players predicted to make an impact this . "[The veterans] are able to help . Jay was the first quarterback in the AFL Hall of Fame. Is Coach Ken Niumatalolo on the Hot Seat? Warning: Undefined property: . . 2019 Mike Norvell (Memphis) 2018 Jeff Tedford (Fresno St) 2017 Scott Frost (UCF) 2016 James Franklin (Penn State) For much of their existence in the original AFL, their head coach was Jay Gruden, younger brother of prominent National Football League coach Jon Gruden and who would go on to coach the NFL's Washington Redskins. Jeff Kealty. A new organization led by former Predator Kenny McEntyre obtained the Predators branding and relaunched the team in the National Arena League for the 2019 season. Is Coach Ken Niumatalolo on the Hot Seat? Coach Antonio Estes, will be our Head Coach for 8U and Player Development Director. In 2022 he led another high-powered 6U team leading the league in scoring and finishing runner-up in the 2022 FYFCL Super Bowl game.Coach Antonio has a passion for kids and knows his calling has always been to work with the youth. The Vikings made two additions to their coaching staff this week, adding assistants on both the defense and special teams. Orlando and Tampa Bay each lasted longer in their markets than any other AFL franchise have, As of 2019[update]. [11] On December 25, 2013, the Predators announced that Rob Keefe would become the seventh coach in franchise history. According to the Chicago Bears team Twitter account Steckel is joining the Bears' coaching staff as an offensive line assistant. and Julian Winocour, M.D. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. Anderson was a four-year honor roll student. 2022 Week 8 - Orlando Predators vs Jacksonville Sharks. Grabe, who also was a superfan (starting in 1991), was the creator of the "PredHeads" that were seen being worn by a select group of fans that sat in section 113 of the old Amway Arena. Share. While the Predators' coaching staff can't be thrilled to lose such a . On Sunday, David Poile announced his plans to retire as GM . Assistant Head Coach Les Moss is in his third stint on the Predators coaching staff, having served from 1991-2000, 2002-2003, and 2006-Present. He approaches every practice and game with total commitment to improvement and demands the same of his players, always focusing on every opportunity for positive reinforcement. He has been with the Preds since the beginning, for 11 seasons now & we are honored to have him as our Preds Football Commissioner for the 2023 season. With a first-round bye and home game secured for the Arena Football League quarterfinals, the Orlando Predators hosted the Austin Wranglers with . We are constantly tweaking our formula so that we can find the sweet spot of when a coach is technically on the hot seat. Coach Lucca will lead our 10u tackle team as Head coach along with being the 2023 East Orlando Preds Football Director. The Orlando Predators have released their full schedule of games. September 16, 2022 - National Arena League (NAL) - Orlando Predators News Release. 6u. Is Coach Rick Stockstill on the Hot Seat. The inaugural inductees were Nancy Morris and Richard Grabe. The East Orlando Preds' youth cheer coaching staff has over 16 combined years of Youth Cheer Coaching Experience, in College Cheerleading, Competitive Cheerleading, High School Cheerleading, All-Star Gyms Cheerleading, Pop Warner Cheerleading, and FYFCL Cheerleading. Assistant GM . The first home game took place on Saturday, May 7 at the Amway Center. The Preds kickoff in the National Arena . Is Coach Philip Montgomery on the Hot Seat? Is Coach Ken Niumatalolo on the Hot Seat? Tickets cost Rp50000 and the journey takes 45 min. Fired from Washington Redskins on 10/7/2019 (0-5). Keefe was an assistant on James' staff the past two seasons for . He guides players who have never played the sport before by instilling fundamentals first and a core understanding of the game. But Wade Phillips . For more information about the Orlando Predators visit https://www.orlandopredatorsfootball.com/. Before the 2003 season, when he was quarterback Jay Gruden instead of head coach Jay Gruden, tragedy rocked the Predators . . Playing for Coach Ben Wright, Anderson produced more than 1,700 yards of offense and 15 touchdowns as a junior, helping the Patriots to the Class 3A state championship game. September 16, 2022 - National Arena League (NAL) - Orlando Predators News Release. Join now to see all activity Experience Realtor . The team was most recently owned by Orlando Predators LLC, a company owned by David A. Siegel, and played its home games at Amway Center.. Career Playoff Appearances: 2. Yes, McCarthy is the first Cowboys coach to get the team into the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since Chan Gailey back in 1998-1999. NashvillePredators.com is the official website of the Nashville Predators and NashvillePredators.com are trademarks of the Nashville Predators. On December 8, 2014, the Predators suspended head coach Rob Keefe with pay while an investigation was ongoing by the Orange County Sheriff's Office into accusations of domestic violence. In 2022, Coach Alex took his talents to the High School level & coached at Colonial HS as the Head Coach of the JV team ending the season with a 6-2 record. [4] With Jay Gruden obligated to the UFL by his contract with the Tuskers, eventually becoming the team's head coach, they hired former quarterback Pat O'Hara as their head coach for the 2010 season. 2008 Orlando Predators Football Coaches and Staff. We are constantly tweaking our formula so that we can find the sweet spot of when a coach is technically on the hot seat. [14] On July 15, 2014, Siegel confirmed his purchase of the Predators.[15]. Walls became a legendary arena football and iconic Orlando Predator player in the 1990s where he played for Orlando from 1991-1996. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is taking a remarkably different approach with how he coaches Mac Jones compared to Tom Brady. Orlando Predators pays an average salary of $2,621,618 and salaries range from a low of $2,267,527 to a high of $3,012,972. In July 2014, reports began to surface that David A. Siegel had purchased the franchise with the intent to move the team back into the Amway Center. Orlando Sentinel. This holistic approach to athletics and personal development is reflected in his work with Avalon Elite and his commitment to fostering well-rounded athletes prepared for success both on and off the field. ORLANDO, FL - Thursday night, September 16th the Orlando Predators Ownership Group announced the new head coach of the Orlando Predators. Meris said he thought it would take 2-3 weeks after the ArenaBowl to evaluate the organization and decide if changes are needed. The True Hiring Score or THS is compiled by a complex formula bringing together many different factors. 2014-15 NFL Coaching Changes; Historic Teams. Coach Alex Diaz will be joining the Preds this 2023 season as the Head Coach of our 12u tackle team with an impressive football resume. "Overall," he said, "we had a very good season.". UCF Football Coach / AFL President & General Manager University of Central Florida & Orlando Predators AFL Dec 1983 - Jul 2007 23 years 8 months. The team has acquired forward Mikael Granlund from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick. After a 3-7 inaugural season in 1991, the Predators have had an overall record of 65-25 and have been in the playoffs for six consecutive seasons. As an Assistant Coach, he has a combined four championships; winning the FYFCL 12U Super Bowl in 2018 and helping our 2021 14U team win FYFCL Super Bowl, Florida AAU State Championship and AAU National Championship!For the past 2 seasons, Coach Antonio has led our 6U flag team as head coach and brought home The Preds first FYFCL Super Bowl title in 2021 while finishing 4th in the nation! NCAA Football. He earned four varsity letters and was a two-year football team captain. Moss, 70, is the only head coach and general manager the Predators have had in their seven seasons. Obviously there are emotional swings with sports and so the mathematical ratings do not always line up with the emotional expectations from a team. The rivalry percolates again tonight when the Storm make the Interstate 4 commute from Tampa to play Orlando. Coach of the Year. Coach Troys knowledge & expertise for the game is complemented by being the most decorated coach we have had in the program. How much are Football Coaches Really Worth? In 2020 Coach Lucca became Head Coach of 8U Tackle where they finished the season not only Undefeated but as FYFCL Super Bowl Champs, State Runner-Up, and made an appearance in the National Tournament. How much are Football Coaches Really Worth? Brock was recognized by ESPN on their Weight Room Freaks list of the top 10 strongest college football players in the NCAA.Coach Brock went on to play for the Tennessee Titans and the Minnesota Vikings. In the first season of this youth football organization, three out of four teams made it to the championship, with one team going undefeated. The Orlando Predators will hold a free-agent tryout camp today at the Citrus Bowl Complex in Orlando. They shared Amway Arena with the Orlando Magic of the NBA and the Orlando Titans of the NLL. During his arena football career he was All-Arena wide receiver & kick returner. [5] When the schedule for the league's season was announced on December 31, 2009, the Predators were slated to return to action on April 9, 2010. 1998 Orlando Predators Football Coaches and Staff. They were also known for their tailgating parties on "Predator Island" (located in the northeast corner of lot 4 of the Centroplex). Overall Coaching Record: 33-20. "I mean, we went through this path last year . If the Pittsburgh Gladiators' two ArenaBowl games before they moved to Tampa Bay are included, the Storm was the only franchise that played in more (eight; six as the Storm). Orlando Predators Name Herkie Walls New Head Coach, Predators Bring Back Linebacker Jerimiah Spicer, Predators Sign Local Quarterback Jabari Dunham, Predators Part Ways with Head Coach Jeff Higgins. How much are Football Coaches Really Worth? A Predators game was the final sporting event ever performed at Amway Arena. The Guardians played their home games at MetLife Stadium in 2020 and currently play . Will Meris, managing general partner and principal owner of the Predators of the Arena Football League, denied all aspects of the report on WCPX-Channel 6. 2m ago. ORLANDO, FL - Thursday night, September 16th the Orlando Predators Ownership Group announced the new head coach . Some of his accomplishments are 5 AAU Super Bowl appearances, with Super Bowl championships at 10u, 12u, and 14u, a State championship, and a National Championship title at 14U. Yesterday, Houston announced that they've finalized their coaching staff for the 2023 season, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. and Jared McKinney, M.D. Skip to content. Direct and supervise the development of Catholic Identity throughout schools and parishes in the . He was a standout player during his college career and earned All-American and All-Conference honors for his outstanding performance on the field. That's what's happening now.". Obviously there are emotional swings with sports and so the mathematical ratings do not always line up with the emotional expectations from a team. Christopher Ellis, M.D. He is a former Wide Receiver at The University of Kentucky. 2021 Orlando Predators Coaching Staff Liked by Rob Keefe. Following a rigorous pre-season camp, the coaching staff compiled a "Watch List" of veteran players predicted to make an impact this year: Dequan Murray - OL/DL - Returning Starter Daryl Myers - WR . Alma Mater: Florida. As a successful member of the FYFCL (Florida Youth Football & Cheer League) which is sanctioned by AAU, we benefit from a strong, family-first culture. The two-decade relationship between New England Patriots legends . The Orlando Predators, the Arena Football League team that celebrated its 25th season earlier this year, won't be playing a 26th. The Orlando Predators announced that they have re-signed former Nittany Lion Richy Anderson for the 2023 National Arena League Season adding depth to the offense. To be honest, I had to ask who Galen Hall is because I don't know the man.". Obviously there are emotional swings with sports and so the mathematical ratings do not always line up with the emotional expectations from a team. Brett Veach, the Chiefs general manager, broke down the situation at the NFL Draft Combine. The Predators blamed the reduced number of teams remaining in the Arena Football League, as well as pending . Orlando Predators 2005 Preseason Prospectus. Get the inside scoop on jobs, salaries, top office locations, and CEO insights. The rivalry, nicknamed the "War on I-4" after the interstate that connects the two cities, intensified when Gruden took over as Orlando's head coach. "It's completely false, and I feel bad for Perry that he had to hear something like that. "We didn't win the championship, and that is our goal.". From 2005-2016 Coach Alex was a head coach & the President of the Pop Warner . Is Coach Philip Montgomery on the Hot Seat? Although his professional career was relatively brief, his success as a college player and his leadership in youth football demonstrate his enduring passion for the sport and his commitment to developing the next generation of athletes.In addition to his football career, Coach Brock launched Avalon Elite Youth Football & Cheerleading club last year. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'oursportscentral_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oursportscentral_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff. Fired from Washington Redskins on 10/7/2019 (0-5). Coach Alex Diaz will be joining the Preds this 2023 season as the Head Coach of our 12u tackle team with an impressive football resume. The Predators announced Wednesday they are suspending operations. Two coaches with a couple coaching assistance and a few . In the wake of their recent victory over the San Antonio Gunslingers, the Predators will be playing their first home game of the season on Saturday, May 7. . Amway Arena was often nicknamed "The Jungle" during Predators games due to the hostile environment from the fans, harsh smoke that filled the arena during the players intro, and a Guns N' Roses song which "welcomed" other teams. After high School Anderson went on to Penn State and then to Temple Owls. O'Hara will become the Texans Offensive Assistant Coach after serving with the Jacksonville Sharks, New Orleans Voodoo and Orlando Predators. Obviously there are emotional swings with sports and so the mathematical ratings do not always line up with the emotional expectations from a team. It seems we cant find what youre looking for. Obviously there are emotional swings with sports and so the . Orlando Predators Coach Jay Gruden once said veterans would have to carry the team early, but young blood . The True Hiring Score or THS is compiled by a complex formula bringing together many different factors. New Smyrna Beach Coaching Record: 20-11. Coach Troy Gabay is an East Orlando Preds legacy coach. They met twice in the ArenaBowl, with Tampa Bay winning in 1995 and Orlando winning in 1998. Jan 28, 2006 at 12:00 am . Memphis Grizzlies Staff & Executives - RealGM. . Morris, was a superfan for over 20 years, was known to most of the team and the front office as "The PredMom", and was the president of the Orlando Predator In Your Face Fan Club. Perhaps searching can help. Is Coach Rick Stockstill on the Hot Seat. and Joseph L. Fredi, M.D. The Predators made Arena Football League history in consecutive weeks during the 1992 season: The following Predators players were named to All-Arena teams: The following Predators players were named to All-Ironman teams: The following Predators players were named to All-Rookie teams: Gruden era / Two titles in four years (19982008), Revival in the National Arena League (2019), "Predators strive for win over Drive in ArenaBowl tonight", http://www.cfnews13.com/Sports/CentralFloridaSportsReport/2009/12/22/ohara_to_coach_orlando_predators_in_2010.html, "Predators Announce the Release of Head Coach Bret Munsey", "Bouchy sells equity in Orlando Predators", "Doug Plank resigns as Predators head coach", "Orlando Predators leaving downtown to play at UCF", "Orlando Predators lose their Amway Center lease", "Predators seek new ownership, deny report league has taken over team", "David Siegel reportedly buys Preds, seeks team's return to Amway Center", "Time-share mogul David Siegel confirms purchase of Orlando Predators", Orlando Predators coach Rob Keefe suspended indefinitely, "The Orlando Predators have chosen to suspend team operations", "Kenny McEntyre revives Orlando Predators in National Arena League", "Force's 500 loss 20 years ago stands alone", http://www.arenafootball.com/mediaPlayer/video.dbml?DB_MENU_ID=&SPSID=38064&SPID=3172&DB_OEM_ID=3500&CLIP_ID=31848&CLIP_FILE_ID=35915&CONTENT_TYPE=ONDEMAND, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orlando_Predators&oldid=1088371031, On Friday, June 19, 1992, in a Week 4 road game against the, Operations and sponsorships - Darrell Harbin, General manager of football operations - Michael DiJulio, This page was last edited on 17 May 2022, at 16:46. The team advanced to the playoffs 19 consecutive seasons between 1992 and 2011, becoming the ArenaBowl champions in 1998 and 2000 during that span. Stafford played masterfully in his first game with the Predators, leading his new teammates to a 52-27 season-opening win over his former team, the Tampa Bay Storm.