Tampa Bay Lightning
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OUR MISSION IN THE TAMPA BAY AREA
At the Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey and Development Department, our mission is to ignite the passion for hockey and foster a vibrant, inclusive hockey community in the Tampa Bay Area. We are dedicated to expanding the game of hockey, both on and off the ice, by providing top-tier programming and creating a positive impact in our local communities.
Our commitment is to:
Develop the Next Generation: We aim to cultivate the skills and character of young athletes, empowering them to become not only better hockey players but also better individuals, with life skills that extend beyond the rink.
Embrace Inclusivity: We believe that hockey should be accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, race, or background. We work tirelessly to ensure our programs are inclusive and welcoming to everyone, creating a diverse and vibrant hockey family.
Promote Values: We instill the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect in all participants, from our youngest learners to seasoned players, with the goal of producing not just skilled athletes, but responsible citizens.
Community Engagement: We actively engage with our local communities, working collaboratively to enhance the lives of those we touch. Through outreach programs and partnerships, we aim to leave a lasting positive impact.
Inspire Passion: We strive to foster a lifelong love for the game of hockey, both for those who play and for the fans who support us. We believe that by fueling this passion, we can create a stronger, more connected Tampa Bay community.
Through these principles, we are committed to growing the game of hockey in the Tampa Bay Area and building a legacy that extends far beyond the arena. The Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hockey Department is dedicated to shaping the future of hockey, one player, one family, and one community at a time.
ADAPTIVE HOCKEY PROGRAMS
SLED HOCKEY PROGRAM
Sled hockey (or also known as sledge hockey in Canada and Europe) is an adapted version of ice hockey for athletes whose disability may inhibit them from playing stand-up hockey. Able-bodied players are also welcome to participate in the sport as well. Players will sit in an individually designed sled that is fastened to two rails on two adjustable in width skate blades with a strap around their waist to secure them to the bucket.
We welcome players of all abilities and ages. Whether you are a seasoned vet participating in all games and practices, or you're just starting off with only practices, we have a spot for you. You must provide your own equipment in order to participate. However, first-time sled players may loan a sled from the program for their first year of participation!
ABOUT SLED HOCKEY
For Players: The players will use two shortened sticks to move around the ice and play the puck or they may be pushed by a coach. The two skate blades under the sled allow the athlete to glide along the ice and they have a stick in each hand with metal picks at the knob which propel them to skate. The sticks are about 100 cm long with a 32cm long blade. Again, all customized to best fit the player.
Sled hockey (or also known as sledge hockey in Canada and Europe) is an adapted version of ice hockey for athletes whose disability may inhibit them from playing stand-up hockey. Able-bodied players are also welcome to participate in the sport as well. Players will sit in an individually designed sled that is fastened to two rails on two adjustable in width skate blades with a strap around their waist to secure them to the bucket. There is a skag at the front of the sled that glides along the ice helping the skater to maintain their balance which is underneath a foot guard for the players to rest and support their feet. Sleds are customized to the individual player to best fit their needs.
Sled hockey is rapidly growing throughout the United States and Canada, both countries which support very competitive teams in the Paralympics.
HISTORY
The Tampa Bay Lightning, in conjunction with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA), announced in September 2015 that they are investing more than $6 million over the next five years to grow the game of hockey and teach life skills lessons to Tampa Bay's young people.
Lightning Chairman and Governor Jeff Vinik made the announcement with team President and CEO Steve Griggs and Executive Director of Community Hockey Development Jay Feaster. The program, titled Build the Thunder, marks the franchise's third major community initiative under Vinik since he purchased the Lightning in 2010.
"I am so proud to be able to share my love of hockey with the youth of the Tampa Bay region as we introduce an extensive program that will grow new hockey fans while also giving us the opportunity to feature Lightning players and alumni as role models and 'teachers' for our children," said Vinik upon making the announcement.
"As they grow their knowledge of hockey, 100,000 young people in our community will also learn critical life and educational skills."
Since 2015, the Community & Hockey Development Team has visited over 1,150 schools and donated street hockey equipment, handed out over 213,000 Lightning branded Street Hockey sticks, and introduced over 5,000 kids to the game of ice hockey in the Tampa Bay Area.
Contact
Contact email - [email protected]
Contact form - https://lightninghockeydevelopment.com/about/contact-us/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tblhockeydev/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LightningHockeyDevelopment
Upcoming events
- No upcoming events