Thunderdome & Minor League Affiliate Updates
A look at the Lightnings history at the Thunderdome and minor league affiliate updates.
Welcome to the THW Tampa Bay Lightning Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Lightning writers.
In today’s edition, we look at the history of the Lightning at the Thunderdome, the team’s success on New Year’s Eve, and more!
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Tampa Bay Lightning’s New Year’s Eve Success
December 31, 2023 by Harrison Smajovits
As the year enters its final hours, there’s NHL action on the schedule. Nine games are to be played throughout the early afternoon and into the evening. Every team wants to end the year on a high note….Now, on any other day of the year, these trends and the usual season statistics are fully how this matchup would be judged. However, there’s an extra secret sauce in the Lightning’s back pocket that almost makes the usual talking points go out the window: The fact that it’s New Year’s Eve. The Lightning relish the moment on the final day on the calendar whether they realize it or not.
Thunderdome: The Story of Lightning at the Ballpark
December 30, 2023 by Harrison Smajovits
Before there was baseball, there was hockey. Before the Stadium Series, before the Winter Classic, there was the Thunderdome. Nowadays, playing hockey in an oversized venue is not unheard of. It’s still special to participate, but it happens multiple times a year even at the ballpark on three occasions. However, there was a time when playing in a baseball stadium was a stepping stone in growing the game of hockey in the state of Florida.
Orlando Solar Bears Finding Success Behind Solid Defense
December 30, 2023 by Joel Enns
As December comes to a close, it is time to check in on the Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Orlando-based club has had a relatively strong season thus far and is on pace to make it to the playoffs. With plenty of strong performances from Lightning prospects, there is a lot to be happy about with the Solar Bears this season.
Syracuse Crunch’s Blue Collar Play Paying Dividends
December 29, 2023 by Jim Bay
The Tampa Bay Lightning are in a good position to make the playoffs for the 2023-24 season, and the same can be said for their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. The Crunch continue to succeed in the AHL, even though the Lightning’s prospect pool is at the bottom of most expert rankings…. first-year head coach Joel Boucher has been able to develop a group of players to work hard on all aspects of the game, and this blue-collar approach has paid off so far in the 2023-24 season.