I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. As Tampa Bay Lightning fans, we are part of an organization that, in the opinion of many, sits well above the rest. Part of the reason for that class is because we, as fans, are truly a part of it. The Lightning are really going out of their way to include the fans like never before. Even the compaign this year, ‘Be The Thunder‘, is all about the fans. From the top of the organization (Jeff Vinik, Tod Leiweke, Steve Griggs, Martha Fuller) to the Hockey Operations Staff (Steve Yzerman, Julien BriseBois, Pat Verbeek, Al Murray, Tom Mulligan, Mike Poirier, Ray Thill, Rob Kennedy, Clay Roffer), to the players, to the people who work at The Forum, the team is top notch.
The connection strengthened during the playoffs, but the bond really formed on that day when they flew in from Boston after being eliminated from the Eastern Conference Finals. When they flew out to Boston for game 7, the offices organized a way for the fans to see them off and show support. Over 500 of us turned out to the airport, wearing blue, and formed a giant human lightning bolt. They said that the guys were fighting for window space so they could see us. When the returned, hundreds of us greeted the airplane to show them support and thank them for an awesome year. Some of them drove past with windows down, stopping to sign autographs and thanking us for being there. Most of the team got out of their cars, walked down the long line of fans that were standing on the side of the road, and took the time to meet each and every one of us personally. No security separating them, no player vs fan egos. That day we were all united as one. Bolt Nation. They returned their appreciation with hugs and tears on both sides. It was hot and I know that they had to be tired after that hard game 7 and long flight home. Nate Thompson walked the whole line on both sides with a boot on his leg! And Steven Stamkos after his nose injury. They weren’t made to stop. But they did. They could have just waved and driven past like superstars in a parade. WE came out to thank THEM, instead, THEY ended up thanking US. The players and especially Coach Boucher made us, the fans, feel like the celebrities that day. It was amazing! And a day I will never forget.
-Ryan Malone greeting fans at the homecoming. Photo taken by Dolly Reynolds
Draft Watch Party. Photo Taken by Dolly Reynolds
Fans at Olive Garden in a summer meetup, Photo taken by a fan and Tweeted out by The Tampa Bay Lightning.
Every pre-season they hold open practices at The Brandon Ice Sports Forum. The coaching staff and players are wonderful there. They always try to interact with us. They come off the ice sweaty and out of breath but still take the time for pictures and autographs. When there is only a few of us, some stay a few minutes extra and have conversations. They are making the effort to actually get to know their fans. The organization is always helping out in the community. Everyone knows about Vinny 4, The Vincent Lecavalier Foundation for Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders. They fund medical research, programming, and pediatric patient care through The Vincent Lecavalier Foundation for Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at All Children’s Hospital. Just last month he held his annual charity poker tournament that benefited pediatric cancer. The players and other staff frequently visit hospitals. The kids love having their favorite hockey player come in and read a children’s book to them or sit down and play with toys with them. They don’t do it a lot when cameras around. They do it from their hearts, not for show. Several of the guys shaved off their hair to raise money for ‘Cut For The Cure’. During the playoffs they had a beard-a-thon also to benefit pediatric cancer. They even did a fashion show called Fashion Funds For The Cure with children who are either battling cancer or who have survived it. Steve Griggs, Steve Yzerman, and Coach Guy Boucher watching over prospect camp. Photo taken by Dolly Reynolds.
The Lightning Foundation does various things around the community. They acknowledge a ‘community hero’, a person who has worked hard to help others and charity at home games. They donate $50,000 to a charity of that person’s choice. They do hands on work for things like Treats For Troops and Habitat For Humanity. A couple of weeks ago I was volunteering with Operation Helping Hand by serving dinner to wounded soldiers and their families at the local VA hospital. To my surprise the Ice Girls, Brittany Zion, and many other Lightning staff members were there working. Thunderbug even helped by taking the desert tray around. I founded a group called The Lady Bolts. It’s a place for women to feel comfortable talking hockey and to be educated about the sport, but more than that, it’s a group of female Lightning fans who want to do good in the community. We are currently having a drive to collect hats for children with cancer. The Tampa bay lightning is donating 20 brand new hats to us! Several of the players and staff have already donated hats personally as well.
Brittany Zion, Dolly, Thunderbug, and George at the James A Haley VA Hospital with Operation Helping Hand.
They had a Lightning Launch party to kick off the season for us. They announced the roster for the 2011-2012 season. The players came from the audience and walked through the people, greeting fans along the way, to the stage. They even had The Steve Miller band in concert for us! Tonight for the first game of the season, because it was a road trip, they hosted a watch party at a favorite restaurant in Tampa. The Ice Girls were there, Brittany Zion, Thunderbug, and Dave Andreychuk. They had give aways and pumped the crowd for the game… it was really fun. And again, I would like to thank the Lightning for organizing these events for us so we could be part of the beginning of the season!
Yesterday Mr. Vinik received a commendation from the Hillsborough county Board of County commissioners for his partnership and dedication to the citizens of Hillsborough County. It is well deserved. Jeff Vinik is really making a difference in our community. I am proud to be a Tampa bay Lightning fan and am humbled to be part of a true world class organization. I am the thunder. You are the thunder. WE ARE THE THUNDER! (I encourage you to click on the links embedded in this article, as there are some great photo galleries and videos from the events spoken about.)
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