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sign up for our Free Newsletter?On June 26th and 27th, the Hockey world watched as Lawton selected some of the top talent out of the crop of 2009 NHL entry draftees. Bolts fans were thrilled to see top notch players named V. Hedman and C. Ashton put on the black and white jersey, but the team’s commitment to giving the fans a new and exciting experience was not limited to the Lightning brass making stellar draft selections.
Computer-capable Tampa fans were in their moment of glory as they all hit ‘refresh’ on the now uber-popular Twitter and awaited the next message from GM Brian Lawton or Head Coach Rick Tocchet*. Lightning fans everywhere felt like they had been given the distinct privilege of sitting at the Tampa table on the draft floor in Montreal as they were updated with table chatter and exclusive twitpic’s (a picture shared over a twitter account). Another great example of the Bolts commitment to their fans, with the GM leading by example.
So what was all the chatter about?
Perhaps you have heard of the star Lightning of the draft, Victor Hedman – a 6′6″ 220lbs Swedish defensmen who is expected to lead NHL blue-liners for years to come. With an ailing Tampa defense core, Hedman and his reliable defensive play will anchor the backend of the team as they aim for a striking turnaround from last season.
For the first time in Lightning history, the team wheeled-n-dealed to gain a second first round selection. Immediately after Lawton secured Detroit’s first round pick, fans were notified (again over twitter) that the team will be gunning for Carter Ashton – the 6′3″ 200lbs Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native. Ashton, selected 29th overall by the Bolts, was rated by some to go as high as 20th in the draft. Carter, son of former NHL’er Brent Ashton, is a highly skilled power forward who has seem tremendous leaps in performance over his last few seasons with the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes.
With the 52nd pick, the Lightning may have scored a “deal-of-a-lifetime” player. Richard Panik is a 6′1″ Slovakian centre who was touted at times to be a top-10 pick. Mid-season injury mixed with a less than impressive outing at the World Juniors may have helped the Bolts align a highly skilled second line centre of the future. Panik will have a chance to show off his skills to Tampa coaches and fans during the Young Guns camp starting July 8th.
Alex Hutchings (F), Michael Zandor (G), Jaraslov Janus (G) and Kirill Gotvets (D) were also introduced to fans electronically via Twitter during day two of the entry draft and will join their draft mates at the Young Guns camp at St. Pete Times Forum.
Lightning tweets (a twitter post) were not limited to draftee information. Tweets were made on how to receive a free puck autographed by Hedman, a contest was launched for a new Tampa t-shirt that will be handed out to fans at the Young Guns camp and media schedules were posted so you could catch the thoughts of your favourite draftee on the radio. Completely interactive, and fully engaging. But what else would you expect from the Bolts, an organization completely dedicated to bringing their fans a new and exciting experience.
*follow @TBLightning for official Bolts news
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Graet Article man but why are you writing for the Tampa Bay Lightning aren’t you a Leaf fan? lol