Tampa Bay Lightning: The Hanson Brothers Invade Kraft Hockeyville USA

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The notorious Hanson Brothers from the hit motion picture Slap Shot have invaded the festivities at Kraft Hockeyville USA joining several members of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tonight is a momentous occasion for the members of the Tampa Bay Lightning and all of the screaming fans here in the Bolts Nation. The Tampa Bay Lightning have the opportunity to make history as they take the ice in Johnstown, Pennsylvania at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena  as they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first-ever Kraft Hockeyville USA.

As many of you are well aware by now, the Cambria County War Memorial Arena holds a definite place in hockey history. Not only did the venue play host to the notorious Johnstown Jets, but it is also the location in which the major motion picture Slap Shot starring Paul Newman was filmed.

Given how deeply rooted the great sport of hockey is in the town of Johnstown and the history of the arena, you had to know deep inside that there was going to be something much more than the drama that plays out on the ice tonight when these two Eastern Conference teams do battle. In fact, it would seem as if there is a little mischief going on in Hockeyville.

It seems as if the Hanson Brothers have invaded the event and they seem to be turning up everywhere to get in on some of the action tonight. It all started out when they came face to face with Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman.

It wasn’t long before the Hansons caught up with Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos. It almost seems as if the captain is ready to join the ranks of the Hansons and get down and dirty. After seeing the fight Stamkos had with Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand, it seems as if Stammer would fit right in.

Speaking of fitting in with the Hansons, if there is anyone on the Tampa Bay Lightning who would fit the bill to stand alongside the Hanson Brothers, it would be Lightning right wing Ryan Callahan. It just so happens the Hansons caught up with Cally as well.

Sure, the Hanson Brothers are fictional characters; however, they are based off of real hockey players. The Hanson Brothers were based off brothers Jeff, Steve, and Jack Carlson. Both Steve Carlson and Jeff Carlson starred in Slap Shot as their corresponding Hanson Brother; however, their brother Jack was unable to join them after being recalled by the Edmonton Oilers.

There is no denying that this is going to be a memorable day for hockey fans around the world. The day’s events will all culminate tonight when the Tampa Bay Lightning hit the ice in the hopes of electrifying the Pittsburgh Penguins in their 5th game of the preseason.

Hopefully, the Hansons can manage to keep themselves (and the Tampa Bay Lightning players) out of trouble until after the final buzzer sounds tonight. If not, there will be a nice, warm spot for them in the penalty box.

Next: Could Stamkos and Drouin Be the Tampa Bay Lightning’s New Dynamic Duo?

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