Ben Schultheis is a 2000 born player who grew up playing hockey for the Jr. Predators.

He has recently been selected to participate in the Top 40 USA National Development Camp. The camp will feature the 48 top 2000 born players in the U.S. These young men will be trying to earn a spot on the US National Development team. The players selected will spend two years in Ann Arbor, MI and will represent Team USA in multiple international events and play in the USHL. This is a tremendous honor for a young hockey player to be invited to the camp. Click to read full article from USA Hockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/618903?referrer_id=752796

How did Ben get involved in hockey while living in Tennessee?
Ben starting playing roller hockey at age four after watching his older brother and his friends. He quickly fell in love with the game of hockey.

When did Ben begin playing ice hockey?
Ben started playing Ice hockey at the age of 5 and because of his year of roller, played Mites with the NYHL at Centennial Sportsplex. At first, they wanted him to play termites, but once they saw him on the ice, agreed that Mites was the better place for him due to his size and athletic ability.

Did you play other sports growing up?
Yes he played Baseball and Soccer and in-line hockey, with hockey was always his passion. His mom Kim remembers Ben always practicing his shot and working on his stickhandling. She remembers finding him using the Kitchen as a hockey rink at times.

What was Ben’s first Jr. Predators’ experience?
Ben was part the inaugural Jr. Predators 2000 team which started in 2009.

How long was Ben involved with the Jr. Predators’ program? 
2009-2014

What is Ben’s Jr. Predators’ experience:
The Jr. Predators were a key component to helping Ben achieve his goals both on and off the ice. Jamie Herrington, the former Hockey Director and one of Ben’s coaches with the Jr. Predators, was very important in teaching Ben the importance of having good character, work ethic and the love of the game of hockey.

What is the important hockey memory for Ben as a Youth Hockey Player?
One memory that sticks out to Ben was winning the Country and Western Tournament as a Squirt Jr. Predator. The team played in the SYTHL all season against older players which was very challenging. This helped his team be prepared to win the Country and Western Tournament at the end of the season.

Favorite Players:
Drew Doughty and Ryan Suter

Ben hopes that other young players in Nashville will be able to follow his footsteps and through hard work and dedication you can achieve your goals.