Lecavalier to make 'multimillion-dollar' announcement
TAMPA -- Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier is holding a news conference today at 2:30 to make "an important announcement with multimillion dollar implications for the Tampa Bay area," according to a statement from the team.
The news release notes that someone from the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation is involved in the event, signalling the "important announcement" has a charitable aim.
Follow the Lightning through the season with beat writer Damian Cristodero and the Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
Way to go,Vinny !!!!!!! Who else believes "Hockey Guys" are the most accessible down to Earth pro's anywhere ?? You are a class act Vincent..
Posted by: Tim | October 16, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Tim- you're 100% correct- think of guys like Cam Neely, Raymond Bourque, and even Gretzky. All those guys were larger than life, yet seemed like the type of guy you'd run into in your local bar and talk baseball with. I met Brad Boyes several times when he played in the OHL with Erie (my hometown). You wouldn't know he was leading the OHL in scoring and was a first-round pick if you didn't know hockey. He was just a fun to guy to be around. Nikita Alexeev (remember him?) was similar, but his limited English skills made talking to him tougher.
Posted by: Dave W | October 16, 2007 at 12:53 PM
I just love that guy, man. As a sports star he is every thing you want...humble, hard-working and positive,... it doesn't hurt that he's the greatest scorer in this era, and GQ ready looks just rounds him into the hottest thing in the NHL. Just for the critics,.. i'm not gay either.. but my wife and daughters think he's amazing... and they hate hockey.
Posted by: Jim | October 16, 2007 at 01:05 PM
Oh God, Jim, you are too cute. LOL!
Seriously, amazing player and person. We are so lucky in this area to have people like Vinny and Brad and organizations like the Lightning that care about the community that they live in. Awesome, really awesome!
Posted by: Stacey | October 16, 2007 at 01:20 PM
Is it going to be on TV, streamed on the web, or on the radio?
Posted by: Mike13 | October 16, 2007 at 01:20 PM
Maybe Vinny is going to announce that he is one of the new owners?! Just kidding....
Posted by: Mike13 | October 16, 2007 at 01:22 PM
Pump your brakes people!!
This isn't a "Lets worship the ground Vinny walks on"... a-thon.
You don't even know what the guys gonna say!!
Posted by: Karen | October 16, 2007 at 01:32 PM
well where is it?
Posted by: | October 16, 2007 at 02:34 PM
Congratulations Vinny you have proved that Hockey Players are an amazing group what a generous donation you have made. I admire you for your commitment to Children adn the Tampa Bay Area. Thank yu. Go Bolts.
Posted by: hockeymom | October 16, 2007 at 03:09 PM
Vinnie, thank you for your generosity both with your time and your money in this community. I hope you know how very loved you are in this community.
Owners (new or old): sign him up for a very long time: we want to see Vinnie retire in a Lightning jersey, many years from now. And we don't ever want to see him wearing another jersey.
Posted by: Lisa | October 16, 2007 at 03:21 PM
just in case you missed it, I think it's safe to worship now...
"TAMPA -- Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier today announced a $3-million gift to construction of the new All Children's Hospital in downtown St. Petersburg. The money will go specifically for a state-of-the-art facility to be named the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
"I love kids, and I love the Tampa Bay area," Lecavalier said in a prepared statement. "So this is a cause with great meaning to me. I've been fortunate to get to know some of the families. It's sad whenever you see kids that are sick. Coming to the games is an opportunity to put a smile on their faces, but this is a chance to leave a legacy for them and so many others like them for years to come."
Lecavalier hosts families of children with cancer in his VIP suite at several Lightning home games each season."
Posted by: Stacey | October 16, 2007 at 03:36 PM
I could not agree more that our guys are the best in hockey. What a class act Vinnie. How great for the community. Oh and Jim I am sure that your wife and daughter like Vincent purely for his wicked slap shot. Haha Lets go Bolts.
Posted by: hockey chick | October 16, 2007 at 06:08 PM
Jim, your "gay" reference is embarassing. Complete anonymity on this blog and Jim goes out of his way to say "i'm not gay". You should have added... "not that there's anything wrong with that", or "I have several gay friends...", would have made it that much more sad.
Anyone who thought your comment inferred you might be 'gay', is likely someone with their own character issues.
go Boltz!
Posted by: Jonathon | October 16, 2007 at 07:31 PM
New owners, you cannot let Vinnie leave Tampa. Make sure you sign him up for the long term before his contract expires. He has shown the love for this community, and we need to show it back to him!!!
Posted by: | October 16, 2007 at 08:04 PM