Predators CEO Sean Henry said the recent “Saturday Night Live” sketch that spoofed the team’s name was a “fortunate stroke of luck for the team, knowing the potential impact it could have for the brand,” according to Alex Daugherty of the Nashville TENNESSEAN.
The latest episode of “SNL” featured a sketch in which host Miles Teller “played a Predators player forced to read an NHL charity promotion with phrases like ‘I’m a Predator in my community’ and ‘When you see this face, just know that a Predator is in your community.’” Henry, who “saw the sketch the night it aired and admitted he saw the humor in it, explained that the team is not embarrassed about the viral moment.” Henry said, “For those that didn’t know about the Nashville Predators before, thank goodness (‘Saturday Night Live’ producer) Lorne Michaels decided to air it. Our internet traffic blew up. We had more visits to our Preds Foundation page. I think we’ve gotten close to $1,000 in donations since then.” Henry added that the Predators, like “SNL,” are an “entertainment product, meant to provide joy to fans.” Daugherty noted though the team name was “lambasted,” the Predators have “no plans on changing it anytime soon.” Henry said, “I’ve been here 15 years and never once thought about changing the name” (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 11/3).
