TAMPA, Fla. — Lots of people consult with skilled athletes as heroes, however in case you ask the Tampa Bay Lightning, the true heroes are our lecturers, first responders and medical professionals in the neighborhood. So, the Lightning created a Heroes Hockey League only for them.
“We’ve bought lecturers, we’ve bought former lively navy, we’ve bought police, we’ve bought fireplace fighters and we’ve bought medical so we’re seeing people who find themselves making a distinction in the neighborhood each single day,” chiropractic neurologist Vasilios Nenos mentioned.
These women and men are used to rooting for the Lightning, however on this league, it’s the crew who’re rooting for them.
“These folks particularly the final couple of years I really feel like we relied on them much more,” Mathieu Garon mentioned.
Former Lightning goaltender and Heroes Hockey League coach, Garon mentioned it’s an honor to share the ice with these gamers.
“It’s enjoyable as a result of they arrive for the primary time, they’ve a tough time skating, and we work on skating and stopping, passing, and so they get higher each week,” Garon mentioned.
For varsity useful resource officer Alexander Guzman, it’s a pleasant stress reliever take off the police uniform and placed on a hockey jersey.
“It means just about every little thing to me, that is just about my get-away, it has grow to be a ardour for me,” Guzman mentioned.
Whereas 65-year-old science trainer Barry LeClair is proving you’re by no means too outdated to lace them up.
“Grandpa, and pa and grandkids, all taking part in the identical time,” LeClair, who can nonetheless rating targets with one of the best of them, mentioned.
Nevertheless, he mentioned watching the true Lightning gamers out on the ice simply appears unreal to him.
“I undoubtedly have an appreciation for the season that they play,” LeClair mentioned. “I used to be getting drained simply practising and taking part in one recreation.”
These heroes mentioned one of the best half concerning the league is the bond they’re constructing amongst teammates. You’ll be able to name it lightning in a bottle.
“I work at a bunch of hospitals so I see a number of folks at work after which I see them right here within the locker room,” surgical neurophysiologist Melissa Larson mentioned. “I see them right here on the ice and I see them out in the neighborhood and it’s nice as a result of we joke round, we construct friendships”
These gamers couldn’t be extra proud to hold on the Lighting’s profitable custom in their very own heroic method.
“Its like I’m chasing the cup, my very own cup, my very own dream, my very own ardour behind their path they’re leaving for us,” Guzman mentioned.