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Capitals coach Trotz trying to stop Columbus Zoo from relocating tiger

Geoff Burke / Reuters

Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz is no longer a Predator, and as it turns out, he's an animal lover.

The former Nashville coach was in Columbus for All-Star weekend and the visit left a lasting impression on him, according to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.

Trotz and his family went to the Columbus Zoo on Saturday, where he met Foley, a tiger due to be transported near Kansas City in the spring. Many of the zoo's workers are opposed to the decision, Trotz told Portzline. 

The coach is hoping to see "Save Foley!" signs behind the benches on Tuesday when the Capitals face the Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.

Trotz wants to get Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer involved, seeking Meyer's cell phone number in order to make a plea to the national championship winner.

Foley's connection to Ohio State could be enough to convince Meyer to join the cause.

"We have to keep Foley in Columbus,” Trotz said. "They’re shipping him out of Ohio, and he should stay here."

- With h/t to Deadspin

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