A native of Kamsak, Sask., Hordichuk appeared in 542 NHL games over the course of his career with Nashville, Atlanta, Florida, Vancouver, Phoenix and Edmonton. Acquired by the Predators on July 27, 2005 from the Panthers in exchange for a fourth-round selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Hordichuk would go on to play on the left wing in Music City for three seasons, seeing action in 172 games.

After spending two season with the Edmonton Oilers from 2011-12 to 2013, Hordichuk ended his NHL career and now lives with his wife and two sons, ages two and five, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Hordichuk, who now works in commercial real estate and recently completed a project he was involved in to build a private air strip in Edmonton, is enjoying having more time to spend with his family following the end of his playing days.

Back in town to take part in the Preds vs. Blues alumni game on Saturday night, March 15, Hordichuk answered a few questions about memories, the fans and the city of Nashville.

Can you talk about your memories of Nashville, the community, your teammates and the fans?

“It’s been incredible to see the fans and how they come to their feet during the games for whether it’s a big hit or someone scoring a goal. The passion that they exert through the whole game is amazing. From the live music and just the whole atmosphere around town before and after games, it’s incredible.”

What is your best memory of your time playing in Nashville?

“The memories of that year we were in the playoffs, we picked up Forsberg and we had Paul Kariya and we tried to make a push their in the playoffs. The whole playoff atmosphere was great, seeing the stands full to capacity and how loud it was in here. It is something I’ll never forget.”

What are your impressions on how the city has been growing and expanding?

“I’m blown away by how big the city is getting and how it’s really grown. It’s such a hot spot with the hockey arena downtown and having the football stadium right there and all the Honky Tonk bars to go to after the game; it’s all just a great little area. People never expect me to answer the way I do when they ask, ‘What was your favorite team to play for,’ when I played for so many great Canadian teams. But I always tell them, 'Until you go to Nashville you don’t understand how friendly the people are and how great the city is.'”