Predators mascot steals show on Global Series off day in Prague

PRAGUE -- John Russell has been the Nashville Predators team photographer since they joined the NHL in 1998-99. He has missed six home games in all that time, and he's covered the Stanley Cup Final, Winter Classic and Stadium Series. He thought he'd seen everything.

But he'd never seen anything like Gnash, the Predators' saber-tooth tiger mascot, appearing on the Charles Bridge in Prague on Wednesday. Nashville opened the season with back-to-back wins against the San Jose Sharks at O2 Arena here Friday and Saturday in the 2022 NHL Global Series, 4-1 and 3-2.

Fans following the Predators on the trip recognized the big cat right away, and some of them yelled, "Gnash!" Others had no idea who or what he was.
At least at first.
They know now.
Gnash greeted kids, posed for pictures, photobombed folks, sat for a caricature with a sketch artist, danced with a woman to the music of a street band and generally just had a blast.
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"Once the ice is broken," Russell said, "people are just loving him."
The Predators and Sharks had the day off Wednesday, after Nashville played SC Bern in Switzerland on Monday and San Jose played Eisbaren Berlin in Germany on Tuesday in preseason games as part of the 2022 NHL Global Series Challenge. This was a chance to relax, recharge and enjoy the surroundings.
Russell stationed himself in the center of the Charles Bridge, which has spanned the Vltava River since the end of the 14th Century and now is one of Prague's biggest tourist attractions. He invited players, coaches, staff members, sponsors and other VIPs to have their photos taken on a picture-perfect day.

Defenseman Mark Borowiecki showed up with his father. General manager David Poile stopped by with his wife. Staff members posed with each other and their families. A group of sponsors and VIPs held up a "Smashville" flag and yelled, "Let's go, Preds!" Russell took shot after shot, making sure to get Prague Castle and St. Vitus' Cathedral in the background.
"I can't put this above the Stanley Cup Final run, but this is right there," said Russell, traveling in Europe for the first time. "This is just a phenomenal trip that we're on here, and I'm just enjoying the heck out of this. You enjoy being around the players. I think they're some of the most likeable athletes in any professional sport. They're just good guys."
Gnash is a good guy too.
Before he even made it through the arch under the Old Town Bridge Tower, he stopped to say hello to kids and take photos with people. Then he strutted onto the bridge, did more of the same and had a little fun.
At one point, he stood on a ledge and posed like one of the bridge's famous Baroque sculptures. At another, he grabbed a chair in front of a sketch artist. The artist had his head down. When he looked up, he wasn't sure what to make of the subject.

Gnash found a dance partner in Ellie Godfrey, a 21-year-old from England touring the bridge with friends. She had never heard of him before. No matter. In seconds, he had her smiling.
"It was so much fun," Godfrey said. "His dancing was actually really good. I'm impressed."

Finally, Gnash sat for another sketch artist. As the artist made a caricature of the character, people crowded around to watch.
"Of course, I had to pay for it, because Gnash doesn't have any money on him," said Russell, holding up the rolled-up masterpiece to take home as a souvenir. "So if he wants to buy this from me, it's going to cost more than I paid."
Priceless.