Lakewood Ranch shows its hockey pride at Tampa Bay Lightning Watch Party
By
Vinnie Portell
| 5:45 p.m. January 12, 2025
East County
Neighbors
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The tropical climate and abundance of beaches and golf courses might lead some people to believe that Florida isn't a hockey state.
Anyone who showed up to the Tampa Bay Lightning Watch Party at Lakewood Ranch Main Street Jan. 11 has good reason to think differently.
Hundreds of people came out to enjoy an evening of hockey-centric fun.
The event began with a round-robin hockey tournament held between elementary and middle school-aged members of teams from Lakewood Ranch to Hillsborough County.
As the hockey tournament wrapped up, Tampa Bay Lightning pre-game host Steven Arfaras and team mascot ThunderBug hyped up a bundled-up crowd that showed up to watch the Lightning vs. Devils game on a big screen in front of Ed's Tavern.
"We want to make sure we spread love of the game with kids and adults," Arfaras said.
The ball hockey tournament was organized by Tampa Bay Lightning Community and Hockey Development.
It provided rink set-up, including barriers, nets, referees and game clocks.
Ball Hockey Community and Hockey Development Manager Jordan McKenzie said the organization donated 10 outdoor hockey rinks to schools and community teams from the Tampa to Manatee County region to promote the sport, along with hosting Saturday's event.
ThunderBug amps up the crowd just before the first puck drop between the Lightning and Devils at a watch party held on Lakewood Ranch Main Street on Saturday, Jan. 11.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Evan and Chad Hawkins, decked out in their Tampa Bay jerseys, passed the time waiting for the Lightning vs. Devils game to start by playing a game of catch.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
The crowd settles in to watch the Lightning and Devils play for a watch party held in front of Ed's Tavern at Lakewood Ranch Main Street on Saturday, Jan. 11.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Will and Braylon Kent couldn't pass up getting their photo taken with ThunderBug during the Tampa Bay Lightning watch party in front of Ed's Tavern at Lakewood Ranch Main Street on Saturday, Jan. 11.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Staff members of Tampa Bay Lightning Community and Hockey Development, including Jordan McKenzie (left) and Joe Adams (right) helped organize the event and provided rink set-up and referees.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Presley MacDonald looks to pass to a teammate in a ball hockey game before a Tampa Bay Lightning watch party at Lakewood Ranch Main Street on Saturday, Jan. 11.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Goalie Lucas Chancey takes a break in between ball hockey games during a round-robin tournament for elementary and middle school-aged kids at Lakewood Ranch Main Street on Saturday, Jan. 11.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Cal Scott directs the ball away from his team's goal during a round-robin ball hockey tournament held at Lakewood Ranch Main Street on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 11.
