clinics running drills or visiting schools and
teaching kids the fundamentals of hockey. All of
the programs offered by Lightning Made are fun
and educational, largely because of their efforts.
And while all of that might seem like a lot, there’s
still more!
Through a partnership with local rinks, Lightning
Made provides jerseys to recreational hockey
leagues at no cost, which the players get to keep
at the end of each season.
Each year, LMH holds “Hockey
Day in Tampa Bay,” which
showcases many aspects of
their programs, including the
Battle of the Badges (Police
vs Firemen), a Sled Hockey
exhibition – including Lightning
alumni, LHSHL All Star game
and League Championship game, a girls’ hockey
game, youth exhibition games, and a 40-team
street hockey battle for the ‘Cullimore Cup.’
Learn to Play programs are also offered at area
rinks, giving kids the opportunity to try hockey
by providing USA Hockey membership, complete
hockey gear, and eight weeks of lessons for a
nominal fee.
They also have a Rookie League for newer hockey
players to take the next step after ‘Learn to Play,’
and an Elite Development Program for the best
high school hockey players to take their game to
the next level.
Mr. Feaster and his team are working toward
the future, with new programs in the pipeline
too. These ideas include the Hockey Scholar and
Healthier Me programs.
Hockey Scholar will provide a free computerbased
program that teaches Science,Technology,
Engineering and Math (STEM) using gaming
principle ice hockey concepts. Healthier Me is
geared toward elementary students and will teach
healthy habits starting at a young age. I don’t
know about you, but I can’t wait to see what else
this team comes up with.
Well, there you have it. Now you know a lot more
about the Lightning Made programs and the
hardworking team that brings it all together. Next
time you’re at the rink, you may see them, and you
might want to thank them for everything they do
for this great sport! -Contributing to this article
Michael Ross (my dad)
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