Lightning searching for in-game host

From the team:

The Tampa Bay Lightning is searching for an In-Game Host for the 2009-10 season.  The position serves as the voice and face of the Lightning’s in-game entertainment during all home games.

Aside from being the front man of the Lightning’s in-game experience, the In-Game Host emcees pre-game activities both in the arena and on the plaza and also during period breaks, intermissions and following the conclusion of the game.  The In-Game Host must accurately and effectively communicate corporate messaging of both the team and their partners while also interactively engaging and entertaining fans and guests.  The position also assists in creating interactive in-arena content and must be able to work cooperatively with guest performers.  There is also potential for similar responsibilities at Lightning events away from the St. Pete Times Forum and at other non-hockey events at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Interested candidates must be available for all scheduled Lightning home games.  They must have LIVE on-air  stadium/arena , television, radio or stage performance experience and be comfortable performing in front of a large audience.  Strong hockey knowledge and good memorization skills are preferred.  The In-Game Host must be able to perform material with little or no advance preparation and have strong inter-personal skills while handling multiple projects simultaneously.

Those interested in applying for the position must submit their resume and a DVD or web link of their  on-camera hosting  work to: Lightning Vision, Tampa Bay Lightning, 401 Channelside Dr. , Tampa , FL 33602 .  The Submission deadline is August 21.  A final selection will be made on September  14 .

Submission and Audition Timeline:

August 21                     Submission deadline

August 24-28                 Submissions reviewed –preliminary judging

September 1                  Top 5 finalists contacted

September 14                Live finalist auditions at the St. Pete Times Forum

                                    Final selection (1 primary and 2 back-ups)

September 17                Pre-season game rehearsal

September 18                Pre-season game

September 21-Oct. 2      Follow up issues

Comments

[leo]

He's not 100% wrong YET, Pat. We've all yet to see, right?
PD has a style all his own and you can either get all riled up about it or defend valiantly with relevant support.
If he changes the subject on you, you know you got'm scramblin. He knows the Pogge to TB angle was shaky. I don't think he expected me to leap on him for it. So instead of saying "Yeah, ok, I might have spoken prematurely about Pogge," he deviates to the Priceberg and how HE looked shaky.
But in all that, Pat, he shows that he's not out of the loop and he never gets insulting or offensive.
Just gotta keep it together, Pat. Find zen and a smile and you'll be alright.
P.

[Patrick]

Leo,

I thought you read our blog. PD doesn't give a crap how many times he's 100% wrong, he just keeps going. Doesn't bother him a bit.

[PD]

Heh Leo look it up in two years.
I'll stand pat.

[leo]

You said it, PD. You're in the book. This will be amusing...
Re the Bolt fan: "no need or use for Pogge with the Bolts"
Ridiculous, PD. And grappling on to the Kid to go down with you reeks of desperation, btw.
I didn't bring it up, you did. Nevermind the Kid; stick to YOUR subject, THE subject: TB somehow missing an opportunity to pick up Pogge.
They didn't miss squat, PD.
Do you retract? Or do you stand by the position that TB shoulda picked up Pogge?
Which I, personally, find absolutely ridiculous. Ramo is better than Pogge by a CLEAR mile. That's just my opinion.
But what do I know?
(snicker) TB shoulda picked up Pogge, PD?
P.

[Don in St. Pete]

I can't believe you two are arguing about a couple of goaltenders from other teams on the Bolt's blog. I will say we have no need or use for Pogge.

[PD]

Right Leo, pass on a good depth prospect for a low draft pick..you da man. Just like the bust Kid.

[leo]

No way should Tampa have "picked up Pogge." That was a complete bunk statement. Let's expose that first.
In contrast, TB having a chance to pick up the Kid? You think it would have NO MORE impact on the club than Pogge.
Please. PD, c'mon.
On his best day, Pogge won't have the Kid's technique, skill, or mental toughness. Stop. You're embarrassing yourself.
No way should TB have picked up Pogge.
Ridiculous.
P.

[PD]

Right Don , Kaberle won,t score 20, never has. He is though, one of the 5 best point producers on D since the lockout.

doesn't shoot enough and probably wont this year either.

Should be a very legit top D pairing with Komo who will likely get to use his shot a whole lot more..

[PD]

Leo is Priceberg a bust?
So far, so good on that score.

Is Poggee better, doubt it, but to be fair, ask me again in 2011?

If the Ducks move out Gigure, Pogs is in a very good spot.

I think both Price and Poggee lack the mentality of a #1.

Randy C, that,s the only approach to take until all the cards are out.

[Don in St. Pete]

The Rags could be in deep trouble, but Tort's has been known to motivate players beyond their ability. They may be icing 3 rookie defensemen, which wouldn't be so bad if the didn't face Philly, Pitt and NJ 6 times each. I have the Leafs in 9th, but as PD says there's still a month left until the season starts. They're a much better team with Kaberle, but he won't score 20.

[leo]

Let me get you on the record, PD:
You're saying that the Priceberg is a bust? And through implication, that Pogge is better than him?
Just to be clear. Thanks.
P.

[PD]

Patrick/Flasher..throwing darts at a board picking in Aug. Both teams should be better.

In Burke we tust.

[Boltflasher]

It is pretty funny that the Leafs have been picked ahead of the Rangers...

[Patrick]

Well they were right on 7 of 8 playoffs teams in the east. So if they are good at making predictions, it's looking bad for the leaves. And if they are bad at making predictions, well they picked the leaves to finish higher this year over last year, so I guess that's bad for the leaves as well.

They picked the Lightning to finish 9th in the east last year. That might have been close had the Lightning not lost both goaltenders and their top two defensemen. I'm looking forward to seeing just how much better they think the Lightning are this year.

[PD]

That is pretty funny Flasher isn't it?
Check out their call for 2008 if you want a real blast
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/17901-The-Hockey-News-200809-regular-season-predictions.html

[cnw]

Boltflasher you do love to rub salt in PD's wounds, don't you!

[Boltflasher]

Well, look who's picked to finish BEHIND the Lightning....

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/27434-The-Hockey-News-200910-NHL-regular-season-predictions-No-11.html

[PD]

Leo not only the guy behind him but now the two guys in front of him.

If your sister is so good, you should be calling Gainey right now because the Habs need her.

[leo]

Or was it 2005? Sorry.
P.

[leo]

Burke "did him a favor" cuz the kid BEHIND HIM in the minors is better than he is. That's first of all.
Second of all, in 2004, my SISTER woulda won the World Juniors in net. Canada had NO competition til the last game, so please.
"best player on the team"? Where do you come up with this stuff?
When the Priceberg did it, he was named MVP but even STILL, I'd rather have Toews. Grain'o'salt, there.
And as you well know, there are TEN TIMES more winners of the Memorial Cup than there have ever been PLAYERS in the NHL as again, the Priceberg can attest. And he won the MVP for that too.
And lo!, none of that stops anyone from calling the Priceberg weak and slow and unproven.
So in comparison, Pogge has done absolutely NOTHING in the NHL except lose.
Indeed, Ducks' problem now.
"Tampa shoulda picked up Pogge"??? No, PD, they shouldn't've. Those are your blinders talking.
P.

[PD]

Leo the Kid won the memorial cup, and was the best player on Canada's Gold medal junior team..
Burke did him a favor, resigned him and found a place for him to play.
Ducks problem now.

[leo]

"Bolts shoulda picked up Pogge"??? What, PD? What? I'm sorry, what?
He HAD his chance, PD. We ALL saw it. I certainly saw it and what I saw says he's no better than Karri Ramo.
In fact, truth be told, Ramo is easily superior.
Pogge ain't fast enough, PD. His reaction time is sloppy and his confidence is shaky. C'mon.
PD?
C'mon.
P.

[PD]

The purchase price isn't the only thing to consider — according to the report, either one has to prove he can handle the debt obligations handed to the club by former owner Palace Sports & Entertainment.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/08/09/sp-hockey-lightning-buyout.html

Palace Sports financed around $70 million US of the $200-million price for the Lightning and lent OK Hockey — headed by Koules — another $30 million.

If neither Koules nor Barrie can buy out the other, the NHL might seek a buyer, leave things as is or give the team back to Palace Sports.

Like I mentioned earlier in this string, to carry the team barebones:
15 mill vigorish
56 mill salaries
30 mill for running the biz

That's over 100 mill vs revenues that will top out at 80 max.

A 10lb cabbage in a 5 lb bag

Koules couldn't afford the team on his own in better times..let alone now after a recession and a year of clown management.

[PD]

Two words for the fall, Jim Ballsillie.

Flasher, Pogge got dropped in the org chart when Burke beat everybody to the Monster.

Bolts should have grabbed him.

[Joe]

I personally think Barrie is the problem and Koules could end up being a good owner. He has admitted he made mistakes in 1st year and I think the team has made some good moves this off season.

There is no way Barrie will win this one. He had to pay back a loan to Koules and had to get a line of credit to come up with that 10 million. He obviously dont have the cash to buy the team. I think Koules does and will end up buying out Barrie.

Just my opinions might not mean a thing!! haaa Cant wait for season!

[Patrick]

Wendell,

It's more like read it and yawn. I do find it amusing that our owners seem to bother so many people who are not Lightning fans. For the most part Lightning fans have been pretty happy with them this offseason. Sorry we're not reading from your script.

[Randy C]

mike p,

Thank you for the heads up on the IMP use of your name. As for the current news, I also would like to see Oren get total control of operations. I really think the commish would like to see it end this way also. As Casper would say, it's powerball time!

[Boltflasher]

" The CEO of Palace Sports and Entertainment would give the franchise the stability the league desires and from a fan’s point of view it would be the light at the end of the tunnel they have been seeking since everything was supposed to be OK in June 2008."....You're joking, right!? You want back the guys that managed a Stanley Cup winner into a last place team in a record 2 years, that put no money or effort into improving the team and did not want the team (which explains the lack of effort). Despite the amateurish shenanigans of the OK group, no one can deny they aren't at least trying which is more than can be said of the previous ownership group once the Bolts won the cup. The buyouts were an option setup back in the June meeting with Bettman as a method to allow either one of the owners the opportunity to take complete control. This did not just happen a couple of days ago. A buyout may lead to some of the stability that you seek...

[Wendell]

From the Sports Examiner (read it and weep)....

I’m not exactly sure what they did with his body but if he is in the canister next to Ted Williams I want him defrosted now.

Bill Davidson was by far the best owner the Lightning ever had but his Detroit-based Palace Sports and Entertainment wanted out of their long-distance hockey relationship and put the team up for sale. Little did they know when the deal was consummated it would create another local soap opera titled, “As the stomach turns.”

You see, this area has known its share of the inane and unqualified that had just enough money to buy into a sports franchise only to depart before the ink was dry on the contract. In fact, there have been so many names on the owner’s door there was a rumor a company was on permanent retainer just to scrape off the old and paint on the new.

How Tampa Bay has been able to hold on to hockey for so long is anyone’s guess because, just on ownership issues alone, the Bolts should have been contracted, moved or, with all the water surrounding the area, set out on a boat into the Gulf of Mexico and “buried” at sea like the Burt Lancaster character at the end of the movie Rocket Gibraltar.

Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times confirmed on Sunday what we all pretty much knew – Oren Koules and Len Barrie are an oxymoron, emphasis on moron. Like living death (see franchise) or deafening silence (see empty seats at the St. Pete Times Forum) the headliners from OK Hockey are not OK and have been heading for a nasty divorce for some time.

Things became so bad that an employee with no financial investment whatsoever, general manager Brian Lawton, was given control by National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman prior to the draft until something was worked out. Well folks, turn on your television because we have once again entered the Twilight Zone.

In the original pre-draft setup Lawton was to make all decisions related to the hockey club with Oren Koulis rubber stamping everything. Barrie left to take ferry rides around the Peninsula of Pinellas County and trolley rides to Ybor City.

The draft went off without a hitch and for all intents and purposes Lawton was making some real positive decisions to rebuild the team following the debacle of 2008-09 created by Koules and Barrie when they took control from PSE. It was the hockey version of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays “Hit Show” from back in 2000.

Now the NHL has once again stepped in and is not only is trying to broker a deal where one owner buys out the other but that individual can handle the debt burden with Palace Sports. It is reported that Barrie has the first shot to buy out Koules and if he cannot by the end of September, Koules is on the clock. Either way the divorce will be final as the other is mandated to sell. Then again …..

The divorce could still linger if neither comes up with a workable plan. Would the team revert back to Palace Sports, which owns about $70 million of the $200 million debt? How about outside parties enter the bidding to purchase what is left, as in going through a bankruptcy process like the Phoenix Coyotes? The Koules-Barrie marriage could linger for years to come.

The team is operating on a shoestring as it is. With massive layoffs and with a gag order being imposed by the commissioner’s office, how much is owed and to whom is not known. It has been alleged Barrie repaid a personal loan to Koules but again there is no confirmation and rumors are it was a note instead of cash.

Cristodero queried why Barrie got the first show at buying out Koules and how much it would it would cost. The answer might be in how Bettman set up the pecking order before the draft believing Barrie would not be able to secure the financing to take over. It would give Koules the extra time needed to push his co-owner aside.

All this comes at a very inopportune time because there is one person who is likely to be salivating for a return to power. Hall of Famer and Lightning founder Phil Esposito has been tied to the organization in one form or another longer than anyone but with the economy being what it is, putting together a group to simply buy out OK Hockey.

Worst case scenario would have Tom Wilson returning to Tampa Bay. The CEO of Palace Sports and Entertainment would give the franchise the stability the league desires and from a fan’s point of view it would be the light at the end of the tunnel they have been seeking since everything was supposed to be OK in June 2008.

[Don in St. Pete]

Mike, What a freakin' surprise, the imposter seems to have better control of the blog than DC et al. While the circumstances may be questionable I think the regular bloggers know when it's an imposter post.

[mike p]

Randy C, that earlier post in this thread was not me. Unfortunately, someone is using my username. This whole ownership thing could get ugly. I really hope Koules gets control of the team though, he seems to have more financial stability.

[Don in St. Pete]

While the sick, fetid stink of the OK imposter hangs over the Blog, we should resist the urge not to post, because that is excatly the response it is hoping for. The signing of Tanguay if healthy could improve the Bols significantly, and for short money by all reports. However any deal should be for 1 year max, end of story. We have Dana Tyrell and Carter Ashton coming along and need to insure they have a level playing firld to compete upon.

[Oren, your slick talking buddy]

That's because your a moron. When I buy out Barrie (who has put up no money except for covering losses), I will revoke your season ticket privileges.

[Lightning Rod]

After trying to catch-up on what was going on with the Lightning and reading the posts on this blog, I have a question. Can someone explain to me why anyone here still responds to PD's posts? For years this guy has insulted and attacked every regular that I can think of who has posted here; has directly supported and been associated with the various impostors and fictitious name attack bloggers that continue to haunt this site; has basically driven away many knowledgeable hockey fans who at one time regularly posted here; etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When someone insults or verbally attacks me, my family, or a friend of mine, by calling them stupid, a moron, etc., I will not give them the time of day, ever. Many of us have met and talked at Lightning games; and we share that common bond of friendship.

So again I ask, why does PD get the time of day here, given the insults and attacks he has heaped on so many for years and years? I would really like to know the answer, as I can make no sense of it.

[Boltflasher]

Leo, it was actually a Canwest news article that ESPN Insider jumped on...

Other news, THN is revealing their predictions for the coming season a day at a time and so far looking good for the Bolts on that front...

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/27434-The-Hockey-News-200910-NHL-regular-season-predictions-No-12.html

[leo]

Getting your hockey insight offa ESPN is like getting your baseball insight off the BBC. Please.
Best thing that came outta ESPN was Melrose if that helps put things into perspective.
P.

[Jumbotron]

Here's the latest:

Wild interested in signing Prospal thereby clearing the way for the Frightening to sign Tanguay....

Balsillie now showing interest in buying Frightening because of the financial mayhem there....

stay tuned

[Boltflasher]

I think the buyout plan is good news...it gives one or both of the owners an opportunity to either put up or shut up and move on with the operations of this team..

[cnw]

Just when I was getting comfortable and (silly me) thinking things were being worked out between the owners, Damian has to go and post the new article!

Boys get busy and work the problems out! We want the Bolts to succeed and we were just getting really positive feelings this year. Don't blow it. On the surface, it seems that the delegation of powers is working out. Maybe marriage consulting will help.

Of the two, Oren and Len, I'm unsure of who I want to come out ahead. None of us has the true and full picture. Sure Oren has the looks and comes across as the personable showman that he is. Len not so much. But it is always better to have two heads than one. I guess only time will tell, but I really prefer they work it out. Between the two they should have the assets to keep the team together. Apart, who knows.

Don't start up "trade V4" rumors again! Sign Tanguay and let's get on with hockey!

[Boltflasher]

I thought Pogge was being hailed as the Leafs saviour to be...

[Boltflasher]

ESPN making references to hockey losing its grip in Canada...."Hockey losing its grip among Canadian teens: study"
http://www.faceoff.com/hockey/nhlnews/story.html?id=741b9077-f0dc-4b9f-b743-52825a339b5f&add_feed_url=http://www.faceoff.com/topstories.atom

[PD]

Jumbo, the deal called for 200 mil, they only paid 90 and missed all the payments last year to Palace.

So they have a nut of about 15 million in interest to Palace alone this year.
Plus:
56 in salaries
30 in running the business of the franchise..

Did I mention pucks and sticks?

Should be be much better going forward though, now with a significantly increased seasons ticket base and the lower payroll.

[Randy C]

Karma,

Not sure how you got that out of what I posted. Having been here as long as you have you would be hard pressed to find a spot where I got personal unless someone got personal with a friend of mine. Has happened on this blog 2 times previously, not today.

[karma]

I just read this last series of posts and it seems to me that you were the first one that got personal Randy. The original post was a report and an opinion. That being said, I don't think the Bolts will have any financial problems.

[Randy C]

Need to pay attention Mike, the loser in any argument always reverts to personal attacks when the facts don't go along with their statements.

[2WayCenter]

Jumbotron is one of PD's aliases.

[Randy C]

And what doom and gloom did Phil tell us? Are you a NHL allstar? Right now Oren runs the team and does not have to consult Barrie unless a player acquisition or trade surpasses $2 million. Oren has covered Barrie when Barrie didn't supply funds once before at least, Bills are being paid. All the article tells us is they now have an avenue to split the partnership. What is happening is nothing at all like Phil had it when he ran the team. Lawton doesn't have the handcuffs Phil did at all.

[mike p]

I think he/she just wiped the floor with you, Randy.

[Jumbotron]

Well until you have the skills of an NHL all-star, please refrain from commenting about the sport.

[Randy C]

Jumbotron,

If you know about Barrie's assets please share the facts with us. If there is one fact I have obtained from Barrie's many critics is we don't know what HE has financially. As for OK, having met and spoken with him, do not underestimate the mans passion. So far he has done quite well for himself, there is no doubt that he wants build a winning franchise, he came across to me that he loves operating this franchise. Until you have figured out how to amass the capital both these guys have, do not think for a second you really know how either one of these guys thinks. This article told us nothing about what will happen. Many partnerships in business fail, but neither of these guys want the team or franchise to fail. Both have much to lose so don't expect them to allow the doom and gloom you are implying.