It’s been a rough few weeks for fans at all levels of the organization, so we could benefit from some joy. This is a post dedicated entirely to happy holiday-related hockey moments from the Tampa Bay Lightning, Syracuse Crunch, & Kalamazoo Wings. Prepare to smile – a lot.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Here are the boys (including Captain Steven Stamkos!) spreading some holiday cheer by spending time with 22 families from the Children’s Cancer Center.
Jonathan Drouin and Michael rolling into the Christmas party with a new set of wheels 🔥😊 #Bolts pic.twitter.com/2J3dyu01oe
— Caley Chelios (@CaleyChelios) December 11, 2016
The Lightning published an entire photo gallery of this heartwarming event.
Watch Nikita Nesterov and his baby boy enjoy family skate day at Amalie Arena.
Syracuse Crunch
Last week the Crunch hosted their annual Stanley Steemer Tired Teddy Toss. Henri Ikonen scored a goal that sent 2,628 teddy bears flying onto the ice. The stuffed animals were cleaned and donated to the Salvation Army.
Earlier this month, the Crunch helped children and adults struggling to provide gifts this holiday season.
It’s wonderful to see these young men so engaged in giving back to the local community.
The @SyracuseCrunch continue to give back to the community. Players visit @UpstateGolisano to meet with kids during the holidays! pic.twitter.com/fIAQbmTGX4
— Matt Hauswirth (@matthaus_CNY) December 12, 2016
Another great shot of the @SyracuseCrunch spending time at @UpstateGolisano today. More tonight on @CNYcentral at 5/6! pic.twitter.com/PUkkS8bIy3
— Matt Hauswirth (@matthaus_CNY) December 12, 2016
@SyracuseCrunch doing some arts & crafts with kids @UpstateGolisano ahead of the holidays pic.twitter.com/QZhQ5WMwws
— Justin Page (@JustinPageNews) December 12, 2016
Kalamazoo Wings
The Wings are the newest members of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization – and they are a welcome addition.
We’re ringing bells for the @SA_Kalamazoo at Hardings on Drake & W. Main. Come say hi and donate to a great cause 🔔🔔🔔 pic.twitter.com/8t90n9sW3u
— Kalamazoo Wings (@KalamazooWings) December 13, 2016
They host fantastic themed-jersey nights and auction off the jerseys with proceeds going to charity. Tonight they will be wearing these ugly Christmas sweater jerseys – you can pick one up from the online auction on Monday.
FIRST LOOK at this Saturday’s ugly holiday sweater jerseys. They’ll be up for online auction after the weekend. pic.twitter.com/ytROckxpBT
— Kalamazoo Wings (@KalamazooWings) December 13, 2016
The Wings will be hosting their own teddy toss tomorrow. Stuffed animals will be donated to Bronson Children’s Hospital.
When it comes to community involvement, there is a lot to love about the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. It feels good to cheer for teams that care so much about giving back – and it all starts at the top.
Another reason why Mr Vinik is awesome. He gives each of us $75 cash to do good deeds for the holiday season. #GoBolts #BestOwnerInSports
— Eric Blankenship (@eblankenship) December 14, 2016
