Benjamin Pierce
@boltsben
Beat Writer, Manager of Media Relations for the Tampa Bay Lightning
For those asking, single game #GoBolts tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, August 14 at 10 am.
Over at TGH Hospital this afternoon, where Tampa Bay Lightning players Erik Cernak & Gage Goncalves took part in the Hyundai Hope on Wheels check presentation, a donation which benefits area pediatric cancer patients and their families. #GoBolts
What better way to end an NHL development camp than with an entry-level deal? The Lightning sign 2026 third-round pick Tomas Kralovic to his entry-level contract on the ice at the end of today’s 3v3 tournament. #GoBolts
First goal of the dev camp 3-on-3 tournament was a rocket by Baldwin off the right post and in. Pridham then tied it 1-1 shortly after. #GoBolts
#GoBolts defenseman John Carlson: "I know the pedigree of the organization and certainly the players...that's a slam dunk. It's a fabulous place to live, raise kids, have a family and in a great environment. There's really zero drawbacks from coming to Tampa."
Lightning skating coach Barb Underhill is telling players the story of Brayden Point, whose changes in posture & stride made him one of the quickest skaters in the league and helped him reach the NHL. She’s showing clips of his skating growth from his dev camp to now. #GoBolts
New #GoBolts forward Jeff Viel: "I think I had a pretty good season last year, good playoffs. Just overall I think my game's been good and I feel more confident at the NHL level. So definitely in a good spot." Yanni Gourde already reached out to say welcome, he also knows Charle-Edouard D'Astous.
New #GoBolts forward Ilya Mikheyev: "I can play everywhere in any situation." Says he's killed penalties for every team he's played on. Thinks his speed and penalty killing abilities will fit well in Tampa.
Tampa Bay officially announces the signing of 31-year-old winger Ilya Mikheyev on a four-year deal at a good number. Mikheyev had 18 goals last season and could play up and down the #GoBolts lineup. Played 17:26 per game last year with a career-best 36 points.
#GoBolts prospect Oleg Kulebiakin talks for the first time. Says he got to meet his idol in Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov today, who said hello and welcomed him to the organization. Oleg said his hands were shaking the whole time because he was so nervous and excited.
Coach Pat Maroon loved that blocked shot by Veinbergs during a drill #GoBolts
Today’s groups for the first practice day at #GoBolts Dev Camp ⬇️ Group B skates first from 10-11:15 am this morning, Group A hits the ice from 12:45-2 pm. 2026 second-rounder Oleg Kulebiakin will not be here until tomorrow as he continues traveling to Tampa.
The final 2026 Lightning Development Camp roster is below. Among the additions to the #GoBolts young group is invitee Anthony Thomas-Maroon, who is the son of Stanley Cup champ and Lightning ambassador Pat Maroon.
The Tampa Bay Lightning prospects aren’t the only ones getting work in this week. #GoBolts forwards Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point are on the ice together this morning for some offseason training.
Anderberg said he's been a Lightning fan for a long time and is sporting a #GoBolts hat already. Also a big Nikita Kucherov fan.
Tomas was jet-skiing with family today when he learned he was being picked by the #GoBolts. Said he spends a lot of time on the water. Described himself as a two-way defenseman who likes to get involved on offense, said his skating and confidence has grown over past 2 seasons.
Kulebiakin got giddy talking about the idea of meeting and playing with Nikita Kucherov, his favorite player. He's even got a signed stick from 86. Said he'll be full of smiles when that happens in the Lightning organization. #GoBolts
10 picks out from the first time the #GoBolts are on the clock in this draft and the Lightning hockey ops crew is dialed.
The #GoBolts will play four preseason games in 2026-27, beginning with a Sept. 20 game vs. Nashville here in Tampa. Games will alternate every other day, concluding with a home-and-home against Florida on Sept. 24 and 26. The countdown begins!
#GoBolts forward and girl dad Nick Paul is visiting the youth girls hockey clinic over at TGH IcePlex today.
#GoBolts alum Ryan Craig is the Vegas Golden Knights' new head coach. Craig scored 32 goals and 63 points with 126 PIMs in 184 NHL games with the Lightning from 2005-2009. TBL's 8th-round pick in 2002 was also captain for the team's former AHL affiliate, the Springfield Falcons.
ICYMI: Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Benjamin Rautiainen joined the #GoBolts organization via entry-level deal following a historic title season in Finland. He models his game after two future Hall of Famers. Now he chases the chance to join them in the NHL. Full story: www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
A few other Lightning players received votes for this year’s NHL All-Star Teams alongside First Team winners Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy: ⚡️LW Brandon Hagel (12 P, 5th) ⚡️LW Jake Guentzel (10 P, 7th) ⚡️D Darren Raddysh (18 P, 11th)
Nikita Kucherov being named a 2026 NHL First Team All-Star marks his fifth such honor with the Lightning. The only right wings with more First Team honors all-time: Gordie Howe (12) Maurice Richard (8) Jaromir Jagr (7) Guy Lafleur (6) Historic company for the #GoBolts star.
STORY: Your 2026 Hart Memorial Trophy winner is Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov, who adds more history to his eventual Hall of Fame induction. I talked with Kuch and #GoBolts coach Jon Cooper on what separates the now two-time MVP. Full story: www.nhl.com/lightning/ne...
Voting was incredibly close as expected for the Hart Memorial Trophy, as Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov won by 10 points over Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon was third. No player received more first place votes than the #GoBolts right wing.
A well deserved nod to #GoBolts forward Nikita Kucherov, your 2026 recipient of the Hart Memorial Trophy as NHL MVP. He is just the fifth winger in league history to win the honor multiple times (also 2019). Congrats, Kuch!