Player of the Week - Kevin Klein

The Nashville Predators are a team on the rise in the Western Conference that has been building through drafting, scouting, and establishing a core of players they developed in their system. Kevin Klein is a perfect example of this team-building philosophy at work. The 6’1”, 200 lb defenceman has worked his way up through the Predators organization, becoming a regular in the lineup over the past couple of seasons while acting as a consistent and stabilizing force on the blueline in Nashville.

Kevin has worked extremely hard to establish himself as an NHL player. The native of Kitchener, Ontario came up through the OHL, spending his time in junior with the Toronto St. Michael's Majors and the Guelph Storm. Following his junior career, he was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by Nashville and has been with the club since that time. His work-ethic and determination to realize his dream of playing in the NHL were on full display as he battled through the minors for a few seasons before landing in Nashville on a permanent basis. He has been a part of the Predators’ climb into prominence in the Western Conference, suiting up with players like Shea Weber, Ryan Suter and Pekka Rinne to help the team establish a strong identity.

• Kevin took part in the NHLPA Charity Golf Classic on Monday in Milton, Ontario where he joined his fellow members in helping raise close to $100,000 for the Players Helping Players Fund. It was also a great day for Kevin personally, as he took home the overall Players championship honour, carding an impressive round of 4-under par, 68
• Accumulated 18 points and 128 hits on the blueline for the Predators in the 2010-11 NHL season, helping them to a playoff position

BIOGRAPHY:

• Born in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada on December 13, 1984
• Drafted in the 2nd round, 37th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft
• Has suited up in 81 games in each of the past two seasons
• Skated as a member of the 2003-04 Canadian entry in the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, bringing home a silver medal