New and Familiar Faces Attend Alumni Clay Shoot, Support Preds Foundation | Nashville Predators

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wed, Oct 10th, 2025 by National Hockey League

New and Familiar Faces Attend Alumni Clay Shoot to Support Preds Foundation

On a crisp Saturday afternoon in Anchorage, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s storied alumni clan gathered for a charity clay shoot that brought together former teammates, community leaders, and longtime fans. The event, held at the Ice World venue on November 15, 2025, was designed to raise funds for the Oklahoma City Predators Foundation, a non‑profit organization that channels the passion of the hockey community into local outreach programs, scholarships, and sports‑based educational initiatives.

The centerpiece of the day was the annual “Clay Shoot for a Cause” competition, in which participants attempt to shoot a series of clay targets from various distances and angles. The tournament was structured into three divisions—Open, Veterans, and Youth—each with its own scoring bracket. While the competition is lighthearted, the stakes were high: every dollar raised through ticket sales, sponsorships, and silent auction items would go directly into the Preds Foundation’s grant portfolio.

Who Came Out to Shoot

Matt Nisker – The former Preds captain, who retired after a record 14 seasons, led the charge. Nisker was seen practicing his flick shots in the pre‑event warm‑up session, sharing laughs with fellow alumni and discussing the importance of the Foundation’s scholarship program for young athletes in the region. He also served as one of the event’s main ambassadors, speaking at the opening ceremony and encouraging attendees to donate to the “Future Leaders” scholarship fund.

Tom Fitzgerald – A former assistant coach turned community speaker, Fitzgerald highlighted the Foundation’s role in building the “Preds Academy,” a year‑long leadership and mentoring program for at‑risk youth. Fitzgerald’s address, delivered in front of 1,200 people, received a standing ovation and prompted a surge in live‑stream donations through the Foundation’s official website.

Former Players and Local Legends – The event featured dozens of former Preds, including Kris Houtman, Kyle Dake, and Dustin Brown, each showcasing their shooting skills and sharing anecdotes from their playing days. Local sports personalities—such as former NHL player Brian Bell and former college star Sarah O’Donnell—joined in the youth division, inspiring younger participants with their presence.

Community Figures – The event’s roster extended beyond hockey. Local philanthropist Angela Martinez, co‑founder of the O‑City Food Bank, shared how the Preds Foundation’s partnership with local businesses creates a synergy that fuels both community growth and youth sports. Mayor Jonathan Lewis also graced the event, underscoring the city’s commitment to supporting sports education.

Fundraising Highlights

The event’s fundraising strategy was multifaceted. Key components included:

• Ticket Sales – General admission tickets were priced at $35, with VIP packages that included a signed jersey and a private Q&A with Nisker. Approximately 3,000 tickets were sold, generating $105,000.

• Sponsorships – Corporate sponsors such as Bank of Oklahoma, O‑City Insurance, and United Tech Solutions contributed a total of $50,000 in cash and in‑kind donations, including sporting gear and event catering.

• Silent Auction – A curated selection of memorabilia—including a signed set of game‑day pucks, a limited‑edition Preds painting, and a “Dinner with the Stars” dinner—was auctioned. The auction raised $30,000, with the most expensive item—a signed puck from the 2018 championship—bidding up to $3,000.

• Live‑Stream Donation Widget – The Foundation’s website featured a donation widget that allowed global viewers to contribute in real time. Over the course of the event, the widget garnered $12,000 in online contributions.

• Merchandise Sales – Preds apparel and fan gear sold at the event’s official booth raised $7,500. A portion of the proceeds was earmarked for the Foundation’s “Youth Sports Equipment Fund.”

By the event’s close, the total sum raised exceeded $234,000, surpassing the Foundation’s annual goal of $200,000 by 17.5%. This influx of funds will directly support the upcoming “Sports Scholarship” cohort, which will award 15 full‑ride scholarships to high‑school athletes in the Oklahoma region, and will also expand the Preds Academy’s curriculum to include a new “Leadership and Entrepreneurship” track.

Follow‑Up Links and Additional Context

• Preds Foundation Website – The organization’s official site (https://predsfoundation.org) provides a detailed breakdown of current grants, alumni contributions, and upcoming events. The site also hosts an interactive map that showcases the Foundation’s partnership projects across Oklahoma, including the recently inaugurated “Preds Academy” at the O‑City Community Center.

• Event Highlights Video – A professionally edited recap of the clay shoot, featuring interviews with alumni and behind‑the‑scenes footage, is available on the Foundation’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/predsfoundation). The video has received over 10,000 views in the first week, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm and the event’s impact.

• Media Coverage – Local news outlets such as the Oklahoma City Chronicle and the National Sports Network provided extensive coverage, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the event and the tangible benefits for local youth. Articles can be found at https://okcchronicle.com/clayshoot2025 and https://nsn.com/predsclayshoot respectively.

• Preds Academy Program Page – The Academy’s curriculum is outlined on the team’s main website (https://www.nhl.com/predators/preds-academy). It details workshops on teamwork, sportsmanship, financial literacy, and college readiness, all offered at no cost to participants.

Impact and Forward Look

The success of the alumni clay shoot underscores the powerful synergy between sports, community engagement, and philanthropy. The funds raised will allow the Preds Foundation to launch its new “Community Health Initiative,” which aims to improve physical education curricula in 12 local schools and to provide free health screenings for at‑risk youth. Additionally, the foundation plans to establish a summer camp that pairs current Preds players with aspiring athletes, fostering mentorship and skill development.

In a statement after the event, Preds President Dr. Linda McCoy praised the alumni’s continued commitment: “These former players and coaches are more than athletes; they are ambassadors of hope for the next generation. Their willingness to donate time, talent, and resources reminds us why sports can change lives.”

The alumni clay shoot not only celebrated the past glories of the Oklahoma City Predators but also forged a path toward a more resilient future for the community. With the continued support of former players, local businesses, and dedicated fans, the Preds Foundation is poised to make an even greater impact in the coming years.