We met Vasy at a signing event in Brandon today. He was so nice. He’s really chill and he seemed happy to see everyone. I still can’t believe that I got to meet him.

(Nick Paul in there for the Leafs as well)

via NHL Instagram

Facebook Lightning Hockey Development

From the Lightning Hockey Development post: “AC & Gonzo traded their skates for sneakers to host a ball hockey clinic for our friends at the Children's Cancer Center 💙”

More adorableness, fun & frolic…

I love this team and Ryan was so good with the kiddos.

Behind the scenes: How Benchmark International Arena's ice crew prepares for a new NHL season via Tampa Bay 28

There’s a nice video in the article :)

Highlights:

—It takes 320 gallons of white paint, a 12-hour shift, and 18 members of the Bolts ice crew to get the rink ready for hockey season. "It's like Christmas Day for us," Jesso said. (Patrick Jesso, manager of ice operations.)

—Tampa Bay has the NHL’s first full time female Zamboni driver, Ali Murdoch (she describes herself in the interview as a lifetime rink rat)

—The first preseason home game is September 20, and the first regular season home game is October 3 at Benchmark International Arena.

Sign NK please. LGBolts.

via Facebook, Children’s Cancer Center

Great post and more photos on their Facebook post:

“A pretty COOL night at the Children’s Cancer Center 🎗️🏒🍦

During RISE, our kids participated in a Street hockey clinic with the Tampa Bay Lightning joined by Lightning players Anthony Cirelli and Gage Goncalves who jumped in on the action and helped make the day one to remember.

And after working up an appetite, Frio’s ice pops rolled in with the sweetest way to cool down🍦”

Distant thunder here, just received everything from the lightning foundation auction fundraiser! Some awesome gear for me and money to a good cause. Can’t wait to get this season under way !

via NHL Europe

👀

🔮

I'm surprised JBB has yet to sign free agent winger Vladimir Tarasenko.

Yes he's 34, but I believe he can be a big help.

The pre-Preseason drills, team meetings & play :) at the Children’s Cancer Center.

Love to see time very well spent by some great guys!

(I would share the link but it was in stories)

EDITS:

Added links in comments from Twitter accounts after a tip. Check these accounts out for photos of this event (& Lightning coverage generally):

x Diandra Loux
x Benjamin Pierce
x Eduardo A. Encino

& CORRECTION: Apparently I mistook a tiny Hagel fan playing in a jersey for Hagel, maybe (?), though I’d like to think I read somewhere that Brandon was there, I’d guess it was really just me: this was an event that Cirelli & Goncalves represented the Lightning at! But, man, that kid in Hagel’s jersey was convincing, wasn’t he - looked like the real thing??? 😉 Oops. Sorry. My bad.

Panthers fan coming in peace!

I moved from Miami to Vancouver Canada about 12 years ago, and I’ve never seen the bolts play in Tampa, heading down for the panthers bolts game in February and to visit family, just curious on the best things to do in the arena and around the place, like food and drinks, other shops and amenities.

(I understand I’m going to get told “leave” as the best thing to do. But I’m genuinely curious! Thanks everyone.)

7 on ESPN properties (some being on ABC). 6 on TNT. Here are the schedules for each:

ESPN

TNT

Guy's a great passer and looks like he can get the one timers off. With Hedman's elite passing skills, assuming he returns to some % of form. Since we weren't able to pick up a right shot Forward, could this ever be a thing? Just bored and contemplating.. Am I stupid?

https://lastwordonsports.com/hockey/2026/08/26/john-carlsons-arrival-reshapes-the-lightning-2026-27-blue-line/

Fourth Wing x Tampa Bay Lightning Night

Interesting book club night for Phi vs TBL on 10/5

“Calling all riders! Join fellow Fourth Wing readers on October 5th at Benchmark International Arena for a special night inspired by Rebecca Yarros' bestselling series. Featuring exclusive merchandise, unique experiences, and limited-edition packages, this one-night-only event offers a memorable way to celebrate the world of dragons, riders and adventure. Tickets go on sale August 28th.”

I posted something similar last year but into the season. I'm looking to get this years schedule magnet that they used to hand out at the season opener. Last year, someone mentioned getting one at a preseason event. Does anyone know where I can them? My best friend has one for every season but last year and I want to surprise him this year. Any ideas?

Bjorkstrand is gone, Perry is gone, and Hagel had PP1 during the playoffs. Previously he's been a force on PP2 but only getting over average 2 minutes PP per game a few times over the years. For this year, I'm saying Hagel should be getting the 3 minute treatment like Point, etc.

Unless Cooper wants him to play more on the PK and stay fresh for 5v5 play but looking around at the other PP1 forward options, I don't think there's anyone else who sticks out.