A version of this story was originally published on this website on April 17, 2017.

The Predators return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday night.

So will the catfish.

Minutes before the start of a 2017 playoff game between the Predators and the Blackhawks at Bridgestone Arena, Wes Collins dumped a 20-pound catfish onto the playing surface.

It's a playoff ritual that Predators' officials publicly frown upon but aren't in a hurry to end.

"Fans love it; the players love it," Collins said. "I love traditions."

His fish was one of five catfish dumped on the ice by fans prior to the game.

Using plastic wrap, Collins sealed the catfish to his body. He then pulled on an extra-large Predators jersey to conceal the bulge.

Collins, a Williamson County medical supplies salesperson, and his buddies Austin Casselman and Jonathan Hardin walked through security and to their seats. As the national anthem began, they left their seats and got into position for the dump.

Collins' biggest worry?

"I didn't want to hit Carrie (Underwood) singing the national anthem."

Collins said he paid $40 at a Nolensville fish market for the hefty fish.

Collins is the latest fan to throw a fish onto the Bridgestone ice. The Tennessean first reported a catfish landing on the arena ice on Oct. 30, 2003.

Will he make a return trip to the market prior to Game 4 on Thursday? He wouldn't say. But he did admit he has more plastic wrap at home.

Nashville Predators playoff schedule

Game 1 at Nashville: Dallas wins 3-2, leads series 1-0

Game 2 at Nashville: 5 p.m. Saturday, Fox Sports Tennessee, CNBC

Game 3 at Dallas: 8:30 p.m. Monday, April 15, Fox Sports Tennessee, NBC Sports Network

Game 4 at Dallas: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, Fox Sports Tennessee, USA

Game 5 at Nashville (if necessary): TBA, Saturday, April 20

Game 6 at Dallas (if necessary): TBA, Monday, April 22

Game 7 at Nashville (if necessary): TBA, Wednesday, April 24

CATFISH CORNER: Get the latest news and analysis after every playoff game with our Predators newsletter

ORIGIN STORY:Catfish tossing started because some Predators fans hated Detroit

SOMETHING FISHY:Everything you need to know about the Predators' catfish throwing tradition

Reach Dave Ammenheuser at 615-476-8288 and on Twitter @NashSportsEd.