I gotta admit, I'm interested in growing the prep and junior game in the state of Florida.  I've kept an eye on the SEJHL since it's inception during the Lockout in 2004-05 (the Tampa Bay Sandsharks...  And now the Tampa Bay Junior Bolts)...

But I've also known, since I was a student in high school back in the 1990's, that the local high schools have teams...  

The Lightning have started the Lightning High School Hockey jamboree.  It's debut will be Sunday, October 10th, at Times Palace.  It'll be open to the public.  

Further information is provided below.  How many of our readers are planing to attend?  Or perhaps are participating?  Let us know in the comments!

 LIGHTNING SET TO DROP PUCK ON HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY JAMBOREE

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that it will host the inaugural Lightning High School Hockey Jamboree on Sunday, October 10, at the St. Pete Times Forum to officially kick off the 2010-11 high school hockey season. The event will also celebrate the inception of West Central Florida’s high school hockey governing body, the Florida High School Hockey Association.

A total of 19 teams from local Bay Area high schools, including those in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota and Manatee Counties, are scheduled to compete in the tournament. Games are set to begin at 8:30 a.m. and will run throughout the remainder of the day, with the final match beginning at 6:45 p.m. In all, there will be 20 games played with each scrimmage featuring a 25-minute running clock.

Admission into the event is free and open to the general public. Complimentary parking will be available in the East Lot on a first-come, first-served basis, while additional parking will be provided in the West Lot for a $5 fee. Concessions featuring food, beer, soda and water will also be available for purchase on the Plaza Level of the arena.

The Lightning High School Hockey Jamboree serves as an additional way for the entire Lightning organization to follow through with its commitment of growing the game of hockey among teenagers in Florida. In addition, it continues to show its dedication to community hockey initiatives through a more hands-on role, with the goal to improve the overall quality of the sport and to ensure the proper recognition of the game in the Tampa Bay area.