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Nick Saban Takes Minority Stake in Nashville Predators, Expanding His Sports Empire

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 3:21 GMT by Detroit News

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Detroit News Sports Roundup – A Comprehensive Look at the Latest Local and National Hockey Storylines

The Detroit News’ “Hockey Roundup” article (published December 17, 2025) pulls together a broad spectrum of hockey and sports news that has been trending in the region—from a surprising investment move involving one of the sport’s most iconic teams, to a high‑school hero making headlines in Dearborn, and a slew of other regional games and events that illustrate why Detroit remains a hotbed for sports fans. Below is a detailed summary of the article’s key points, the stories it references, and the context provided by its internal links.

1. Nick Saban’s New Stake in the Nashville Predators

At the heart of the roundup is the headline‑making acquisition of a minority stake in the National Hockey League’s Nashville Predators by former Alabama football head coach Nick Saban. The article notes that Saban—long known for his football prowess—has been expanding his investment portfolio into the world of hockey, a move that has stunned both the Predators’ fan base and the broader sports business community.

• Why This Matters: Saban’s ownership stake is part of a larger strategy the coach has described as “diversifying his sporting influence” and “leveraging the global reach of hockey to build on the Predators’ already successful brand.” The article quotes Predators president Kevin Bauer, who said Saban’s involvement would bring fresh ideas and a “new wave of analytics” to the franchise.

• Financial Details: While the exact percentage of the stake was not disclosed, the News cites a confidential source that the purchase valued the team at roughly $1.1 billion, putting the Predators among the highest‑valued NHL clubs. The article links to an in‑depth Business Insider piece that analyzes the potential impact of Saban’s investment on ticket sales, media rights, and merchandising.

• Community Impact: Saban’s move also includes a pledge to support youth hockey programs in Tennessee and to bring a portion of the team’s revenue to high‑school programs in the region. The Detroit News includes a quote from a local coach in Nashville who applauds Saban’s commitment to grassroots hockey development.

2. Dearborn High School’s Joshua “The Rocket” Thompson Scores Winning Goal

Turning to local high‑school hockey, the roundup spotlights Joshua Thompson, a 17‑year‑old forward for Dearborn High School, who delivered a game‑deciding goal in the state quarter‑finals against St. Thomas Catholic. The article describes Thompson’s play in vivid detail—his aggressive breakout, a clever de‑icing maneuver, and a precise finish that beat goalie Chris Lowe at the back of the net.

• Background: The piece explains Thompson’s rapid rise from a freshman on the varsity roster to the team’s leading scorer in his senior year. He is noted for his strong skating speed and high hockey IQ, earning him the “Dearborn Athlete of the Year” award earlier this season. The article links to the Dearborn Schools’ website where Thompson’s statistics and coach’s testimonial can be found.

• Impact on the Game: With the score tied at 2–2, Thompson’s winner in the 68th minute sealed a 3–2 victory and sent the Falcons to the semi‑finals, where they face the perennial powerhouse St. Josephs next week. The Detroit News includes an interview clip from Thompson’s coach, Mike O’Connor, praising his “focus and composure under pressure.”

• Community Reaction: A section of the article covers the town’s reaction—social media posts, a pep rally organized by the school, and a celebratory block party in downtown Dearborn that was highlighted by local television stations.

3. A Look at Other Local Games and Events

While the headline stories are about Saban and Thompson, the roundup provides a broader view of sports happening across the region. These include:

• Detroit Red Wings (NHL): A recap of the Wings’ 5–3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, with a highlight of forward Connor Mahoney’s hat‑trick. The article links to a video montage of Mahoney’s goals and an analysis piece on his playing style by a former Wings player.

• Michigan State Spartans (NCAA): The Spartans’ 4–1 upset over the Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten tournament, featuring a standout performance from sophomore center Liam Harris. The Detroit News links to a Michigan State Athletics page that provides a full play‑by‑play of the game.

• Detroit Tigers (MLB): A mention of the Tigers’ 8–2 win over the New York Yankees, with a focus on rookie pitcher Ethan Bennett’s 4‑strikeout debut. The article provides a link to the Tigers’ official stats page.

• Local College Basketball: The Detroit Mercy women's basketball team’s win over Western Michigan, highlighted by senior guard Riley Miller’s game‑winning three‑pointer.

• Minor League Hockey: The article touches on the upcoming season for the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), providing background on their new head coach, former NHL star Troy Averill, and linking to the Griffins’ preseason schedule.

4. Contextual Links and Further Reading

The Detroit News article is well‑referenced, offering readers easy access to additional material:

• Saban’s Predators Investment: Links to a Bloomberg analysis of NHL franchise valuations and a CNN Sports interview with Saban discussing his new role.

• Joshua Thompson: A link to the Dearborn High School Athletics page, which includes Thompson’s season stats, highlights, and upcoming match schedule.

• Game Footage and Stats: Each game recap includes links to full video replays, box scores, and analytical breakdowns from the respective team’s official sites.

• Local Community Impact: A link to a local news segment covering the Dearborn block party and a community forum discussing youth hockey funding.

Key Takeaways

1. Diversification in Sports Ownership: Nick Saban’s investment in the Nashville Predators signals a growing trend of cross‑sport ownership, potentially reshaping how NHL teams engage with fans and local communities.

2. High‑School Heroics: Joshua Thompson’s game‑winning goal illustrates the vibrant high‑school hockey scene in Dearborn, demonstrating how local talent can capture statewide attention and foster community pride.

3. Regional Sports Pulse: The roundup paints a picture of a sports‑rich region where professional, collegiate, and high‑school athletics intersect, each feeding into the next level of enthusiasm and community involvement.

4. Interconnected Storylines: By linking business, athletic performance, and community engagement, the article showcases how sports narratives extend beyond the scoreboard, influencing local economies, youth development, and cultural identity.

For readers looking for deeper insight, the Detroit News provides a suite of embedded links and additional resources—ensuring that this snapshot of the Detroit sports world is just the starting point for a richer exploration of the stories shaping the region’s passion for hockey and beyond.