More information on Tampa Bay Lightning prospects camp
From the team:
The Tampa Bay Lightning announced it will introduce its top draft picks in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft to fans on Saturday, July 11 during its 2009 Tampa Bay Lightning Young Guns Camp, a prospects camp, to be held July 8-15 at the St. Pete Times Forum. The team will hold a fan festival on Saturday, July 11 at 5:30 p.m. to present its top draft selections while holding a scrimmage and super skills competition between prospects. The entire camp, including the festival, scrimmage, super skills competition and all practices, are free and open to the public.
"We are excited to be able to offer Lightning fans this opportunity so quickly after making our 2009 draft selections," said Brad Lott, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We haven't hosted a camp like this before, but we relish the opportunity to get our best young prospects, including this year's top picks, in front of our fans."
The Lightning's top draft picks are expected to participate in the camp and meet fans through the week. During the camp there will be various exclusive meet and greet opportunities with players and autograph sessions with camp participants, coaches and management. Tampa Bay forward Steven Stamkos, Head Coach Rick Tocchet, Owner Oren Koules and Executive Vice President & General Manager Brian Lawton will be on hand. The event will offer a “select-a-seat” which will allow fans to choose their seat locations for next season. Ticket packages start at $79. Food and beverage specials as well as games on the plaza will also be available to fans in attendance.
The 2009 Tampa Bay Lightning Young Guns Camp is the perfect opportunity for Lightning fans to see some of the brightest young talent in hockey. Players will include some familiar faces from the 2008-09 season, such as Steve Downie, Paul Szczechura, Ty Wishart, Vladimir Mihalik, Kevin Quick and Riku Helenius. Another highlight of the event will be goaltender Dustin Tokarski, who backstopped Team Canada to the 2009 World Junior Championship, as he prepares to begin his professional career. Former Lightning draft picks Dana Tyrell, Mitch Fadden, Luke Witkowski, James Wright and Mark Barberio to name a few, will also participate.
Beyond the Blue Line, the Lightning’s summer-long meet and greet series, will take place during the camp on Thursday, July 9 and Tuesday, July 14 from 6-8 p.m. Those who would like to RSVP for Beyond the Blue Line should call 813.301.6800.
Expected to attend (not including 2009 draft picks): Goaltenders -- Riku Helenius, Dustin Tokarski, Bryan Mountain; Forwards -- Justin Courtnall, Kyle De Coste, Steve Downie, Mitch Fadden, Tommy Grant, Johan Harju, Denis Kazionov, Dmitri Kazionov, Alexander Killorn, Chris Lawrence, Matt Marshall, Matt Read, Juraj Simek, Paul Szczechura, Dana Tyrell, James Wright; Defensemen: Mark Barberio, Erik Gustafsson, Scott Jackson, Vladimir Mihalik, Kevin Quick, Ty Wishart, Luke Witkowski.
Follow the Lightning through the season with beat writer Damian Cristodero and the Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
So does this mean Smaby is no longer considered a prospect even though he didn't officially make the team after camp (or lack there of) last year? He's got a great future, but still a lot to prove.
On another defensive topic, anyone know how Ranger's recovery is going? I've heard he's recovering better and faster than last year and should be ready come September. Let's hope all our boys are healthy and ready to go!
Posted by: oscar | June 23, 2009 at 06:26 PM
Don,
All of our prospects should have a chance at making the team. That's why they are called prospects. Somehow I think it is a typo and Harju will not be showing.
Posted by: McGz | June 23, 2009 at 02:54 PM
I feel sorry for Riku Helenius, Dustin Tokarski, Bryan Mountain, Justin Courtnall, Kyle De Coste, Steve Downie, Mitch Fadden, Tommy Grant, Johan Harju, Denis Kazionov, Dmitri Kazionov, Alexander Killorn, Chris Lawrence, Matt Marshall, Matt Read, Juraj Simek, Paul Szczechura, Dana Tyrell, James Wright; Mark Barberio, Erik Gustafsson, Scott Jackson, Vladimir Mihalik, Kevin Quick, Ty Wishart, Luke Witkowsk having to wilt in the Mid July Furnace Heat aka 'Bandwagon Tampa'...
Posted by: RealBoltsFans.com | June 23, 2009 at 02:29 PM
Maybe the Bolts told him he'd get a chance to make the team?
Posted by: Don in St. Pete | June 23, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Why would Harju show if he's signed with a KHL team?
Posted by: McGz | June 23, 2009 at 01:27 PM