The Lightning "are launching a program that will pour millions of dollars on youth hockey initiatives over the next five years, programs that could help build the fan base for generations to come," according to Ashley Gurbal Kritzer of the TAMPA BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL. "Build the Thunder," is a $6M program "that will teach hockey and life skills to children in the Tampa Bay area." Lightning Exec Dir of Community Hockey Development Jay Feaster "will spearhead the initiative." The program also is "supported by" the NHL, NHLPA, JP Morgan Chase and Bauer Hockey (BIZJOURNALS.com, 9/14). In Tampa, Michael Majchrowicz in a front-page piece notes the goal of the program is to "reach more than 100,000 kids across the Tampa Bay region through school outreach programs." Past and present Lightning players and coaches "will work with 100 at-risk youth, instructing them in hockey and in life." The Lightning "would not say how much each partner is contributing" toward the venture. Team Owner Jeff Vinik said the franchise, NHL and NHLPA "have significant skin" in the youth hockey program. Majchrowicz notes another goal of the campaign "is to register 1,000 more Tampa Bay kids with USA Hockey" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 9/15).
