The Tampa Bay Lightning were to play in a prospect tournament with the Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, and Washington Capitals this weekend in Estero, Florida. However, due to category 5 hurricane Irma, that tournament had to be cancelled.
The Nashville Predators and Ford Ice Center have stepped up to host the tournament in Tennessee. The Capitals and Panthers had announced earlier in the week that they will not be sending players to the prospect tournament and, as a result, will not be able to ice a roster in Nashville. [Capitals announcement] [Panthers announcement]
Official: Due to #HurricaneIrma, our #TBLightning rookies will travel to Nashville & play vs. the #Preds rookies this Saturday thru Tuesday.
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) September 6, 2017
As a result, the baby Bolts and baby Preds will play each other in three games on Saturday the 9th, Sunday the 10th, and Tuesday the 12th before heading back to their respective training camps.
Tourney sked:
Sat., Sept. 9 | 2pm
Sun., Sept. 10 | 12pm
Mon., Sept. 11 | Off
Tues., Sept. 12 | 11amAll games vs. NSH & at @FordIceCenter.
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) September 6, 2017
The rookie camp that was scheduled for Thursday, and Friday is still good to go, the only change is that the prospects will be working in Amalie Arena, which will be closed to the public. The rookies will then fly to Nashville for four days before returning in time for Lightning training camp.
#TBLightning rookie camp will begin Thursday as scheduled. Camp has moved to AMALIE for Thurs. and Fri. and therefore closed to the public.
— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) September 6, 2017
Bryan Burns went on to say that the big squad players will continue their informal daily skates at the Lightning’s practice facility at the Ice Sports Forum. These skates, that have included Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Mikhail Sergachev, Braydon Coburn, and J.T. Brown, are open to the public.
If you would like a break down of the 24-man roster, check out @GeoFitz4’s original announcement post that includes some words on who is participating and the invitee’s that the Lightning have brought along.
