The Tampa Bay Lightning wrapped up a successful “fantasy camp” on Monday at Benchmark International Arena, bringing the popular fan‑experience event back after a six‑year hiatus. Adult participants of all skill levels paid $3,000 each for a weekend of on‑ice action, training sessions, and the chance to lace up alongside Lightning alumni.
Alumni on the ice
Former Lightning stars Valtteri Filppula, Tyler Johnson, Ruslan Fedotenko and goaltender Mathieu Garon were on hand to coach and play with the guests. Garon said the camp is “a chance to grow its relationship with the community” and highlighted the ripple effect on youth hockey. “We’ve seen a big difference. There’s a lot more hockey players out there. Every year we create 800 new hockey players, little kids, and it just keeps getting bigger. We’re at the point where we need more ice rinks,” he explained.
Community impact
All proceeds from the camp go to the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Alumni Association, supporting charitable programs throughout the Tampa Bay area. Participants traveled from the northeastern United States, Canada and even as far as Slovakia, underscoring the event’s broad appeal.
Rob McCracken, a Hillsborough County resident who attended, praised the Lightning’s commitment to the region. “It shows they care. They really care about the community, and they want to be part of the community as much as we want to be part of them,” he said.
Looking ahead
The fantasy camp, which originally ran throughout the 2010s before pausing after 2018, returned in 2024 and is expected to become an annual fixture. Organizers hope the growing enthusiasm will translate into more youth programs, additional ice‑rink construction, and continued support for local charities.
For more information about future camps or to support the Lightning Foundation, visit the team’s official website.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
