The celebration may have been delayed by the lockout, but that didn’t stop the Tampa Bay Lightning from kicking off their 20th anniversary season in memorable fashion.  Before the game against the Washington Capitals began, a ceremony remembering six men who were part of the inaugural game took place.

Several members of the team were announced before the first puck drop. Center Brian Bradley, goaltender Pat Jablonski, defenseman Joe Reekie, and winger Chris Kontos. In the franchise’s first game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Kontos; 4 goal performance led the Bolts to a 7-3 victory. He remains the only Lightning player to score 4 in a game to date.

» Continue reading “The Memory Remains: 20th Season Celebration Begins”

Photo by Linda Hamilton

As Lightning fans, we’re used to seeing Guy Boucher patrol behind the bench in a suit. White board always at the ready to develop a new, cerebral attack on the opposition. As hockey fans, we’re used to ESPN essentially ignoring our favorite sport. It’s extremely rare to see any sort of NHL highlights featured at any time. That changed this morning. Sort of.

Last night. the Bolts’ Rolling Thunder Tour made a stop at Tropicana Field. Before the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays played ball, Guy Boucher was set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to celebrate the Bolts’ 20th anniversary. Which may not happen.

What followed was slightly unorthodox and totally awesome: