Thumbs up: Lightning to raise funds for family of Mike Roberts

Heaven knows I've complained long and loud about the Lightning when they've done something stupid, wrong, ugly and/or stupid. Considering who's "in charge" over there, I'm sad to say that's probably going to continue. But fair is fair and when they do something right, I feel obligated to point it out. Especially if doing so also helps the cause in any way.


FAN FEST 2009 CHARITY GAME
Proceeds from Game to Go to the Family of Cpl. Mike Roberts

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced the rosters for the charity hockey game to benefit the Corporal Mike Roberts Memorial Fund being held from 5-6 p.m. during Lightning Fan Fest 2009, presented by the Embassy Suites Downtown, on Saturday, August 29 at the St. Pete Times Forum. Fan Fest runs from 3-8 p.m.

Team Navy will consist of current Lightning players Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos, Jeff Halpern and Andrej Meszaros along with assistant coach Wes Walz and alumnus Stan Neckar. Joining them will be Michael Hutner, Frank Ruedy, Tommy Mayer and Mark Cholnik of the Tampa Police Department.

Team White will feature Tampa Bay players Ryan Malone, Adam Hall, Mattias Ohlund, Victor Hedman and Matt Walker along with alumni Dave Andreychuk , Chris Dingman, Brian Bradley and Pat Jablonski. Tampa Police officers Evan Trefcer, Braxton Baird, Michael Palmieri and Bob Barrett will also play for Team White. Lightning locker room staff will fill out the remainder of the rosters.

Lightning founder Phil Esposito (Team White) as well as 620 WDAE radio personality Ian Beckles (Team Navy) will serve as celebrity coaches. Television play-by-play announcer Rick Peckham and television host Paul Kennedy will be on the benches interviewing players during the game. All players will wear Cpl. Roberts’ no. 12 for the game.

During the game each Lightning player’s or alumnus’ jersey worn on the ice will be available for auction on the concourse behind section 101. Each player will autograph his jersey following the game and personally present it to the respective auction winner. There will also be a memorabilia auction behind sections 101-130. Proceeds from both will go toward the Cpl. Mike Roberts Memorial Fund. Fans will also be able to make cash contributions via numerous donation locations throughout the St. Pete Times Forum.

Cpl. Roberts was killed in the line of duty in Tampa last Wednesday, August 19 during a confrontation with a heavily armed man. Cpl. Roberts had received 33 commendations and awards for his actions over the years. He leaves behind a wife, Cynthia, and a 3-year-old son, Adam.

Lightning Fan Fest 2009, presented by the Embassy Suites Downtown, is free and open to the public. The event features youth clinics, fan activities, public skating, the first chance for fans to purchase single game tickets, food and drink discounts and more.

For complete details regarding Fan Fest 2009 visit www.tampabaylightning.com.


Charity Game Rosters

Team Navy
Martin St. Louis (Lightning Forward)
Steven Stamkos (Lightning Forward)
Jeff Halpern (Lightning Forward)
Andrej Meszaros (Lightning Defenseman)
Stan Neckar (Lightning Alumni)
Wes Walz (Lightning Assistant Coach)
Ray Thill (Lightning Head Equipment Manager)
Rob “Bubba” Kennedy (Lightning Assistant Equipment Manager)
Clay Roffer (Lightning Assistant Equipment Manager)
Michael Hutner (Tampa Police Department)
Frank Ruedy (Tampa Police Department)
Tommy Mayer (Tampa Police Department)
Mark Cholnik (Tampa Police Department)
(G) John Finnie (Brandon Ice Sports Forum)

Coach – Ian Beckles (620 WDAE Radio Personality)

Team White
Ryan Malone (Lightning Forward)
Adam Hall (Lightning Forward)
Mattias Ohlund (Lightning Defenseman)
Victor Hedman (Lightning Defenseman)
Matt Walker (Lightning Defenseman)
Dave Andreychuk (Lightning Alumni)
Chris Dingman (Lightning Alumni)
Brian Bradley (Lightning Alumni)
Nigel Kirwan (Lightning Video Coach)
Tom Mulligan (Lightning Head Athletic Trainer)
Evan Trefcer (Tampa Police Department)
Braxton Baird (Tampa Police Department)
Michael Palmieri (Tampa Police Department)
Bob Barrett (Tampa Police Department)
(G) Pat Jablonski (Lightning Alumni)

Coach – Phil Esposito (Hockey Hall-of-Famer)