In the midst of his fourth prospect camp with the Nashville Predators in late June and early July, Colorado College’s Teemu Kivihalme traded his hockey gloves for oven mitts.

And the result was a lot of happy faces and satisfied sweet tooths at the Ronald McDonald House in Nashville.

The 6-foot junior, who will be counted on to help lead a youthful Tigers blue line group this season, took time out with a handful of fellow Predators prospects to bake and decorate a plethora of sweet treats for the kids. The Ronald McDonald House provides resources for families who have critically ill children receiving treatment at an area hospital.

“Giving back is awesome,” Kivihalme told the Predators official website. “Being interactive with other people around the community is definitely something cool to do and baking, I haven’t baked in a while, so this is nice to do.”

With the graduation of leading scorer Hunter Fejes, Kivihalme stands as the only CC player whose draft rights are held by an NHL team. The Predators selected him in the fifth round (140th overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft.

Kivihalme’s career-high 15 points included three goals and led the Tigers’ defensemen in scoring. The next four defensemen on the scoring list were freshmen last season. Kivihalme had 11 points, including five goals, as a freshman.

On the ice in Nashville, Kivihalme capped a solid week by scoring a goal in the development camp’s closing scrimmage. Still, his biggest impression may have come in the kitchen.

“People watch you for your hockey, but being able to show yourself and who you really are outside of the rink means just as much as being on the ice,” Kivihalme said. “Being able to engage with the fans, you build that relationship and build that fan base and we’re happy to do it.”

Tigers forward Cody Bradley, who had 15 points during his senior season, attended the Minnesota Wild’s development camp.

– Chris Bayee