Predators to invest $4M in youth hockey

The Predators, in conjunction with the NHL and NHL Players' Association, will invest over $4 million into developing youth hockey in Middle Tennessee over the next three years, the team announced Friday.

As part of the league's Industry Growth Fund (IGF), those funds will be designated into six programs in three distinct areas: ball and street hockey ($135,000/year), rink development ($1 million/year) and diversity ($200,000/year).

Among those programs, the Predators are creating "The Preds Fitness Challenge" that will reach 50 elementary schools per year. Fifty need-based grants worth $500 each will also be distributed on an annual basis to assist youth hockey players in paying their league fees.

According to a release, the team estimates that 75,000 new people will gain exposure to the game of hockey.

For more, the entire release can be found here.

Reach Adam Vingan on Twitter @AdamVingan.