Catching Up With The Bolts

While we’re all pining for the start of training camp, there is some Lightning organizational news. Is it October yet?

Tampa Bay Lightning

• The Lightning hired former 20 year University of Denver coach George Gwozdecky as an assistant coach. Current Bolts defenseman Matt Carle played under Gwozdecky.
• After scoring the game-tying goal in regulation, Lightning prospect Adam Erne scored twice in the shootout, tying the game with a goal in the sixth round and then getting the game winner in the seventh round of what ended as a 4-3 victory for the United States.
• Lightning prospects Richard and Kucherov take on Montreal.
• Bolts Teddy Purcell hosts charity golf classic.
• Former Lightning fotward Shawn Burr dies at 47.

Caught on camera.

Syracuse Crunch

• The Crunch signed right wing Carl Nielsen to a one-year AHL contract. Nielsen, 25, appeared in two games with the Crunch during the 2012-13 season after competing for four years at Michigan Tech. The Lorain, Ohio native collected 20 points (4g, 16a) in 140 career NCAA games.
• The Lightning hired David Alexander to serve as the Crunch’s goaltending and video coach. Alexander brings ten years of goalie coaching experience to the Crunch. The Moncton, New Brunswick native worked with the NCAA’s Division 1 University of Maine Black Bears for five seasons and also worked with Hockey New Brunswick and Canada’s U17 Team Atlantic. Alexander also serves as the director of goaltending development with Alexander Goaltending and a member of the Goaltending Consultant Group.  His personal clients have competed at the World Championships and include two AHL All-Star appearances and an NHL Rookie All-Star team selection.

Florida Everblades

• The Everblades agreed to terms with forwards Shawn O’Donnell and Will MacDonald for the 2013-14 season.
• The Everblades agreed to terms with forwards Brandon MacLean and Ryan Little for the 2013-14 season.
• The Everblades agreed to terms with defenseman Tyson Gimblett and  forward Mike Merrifield for the 2013-14 season.
• The Everblades agreed to terms with forwards Trevor Bruess and Evan Chlanda for the 2013-14 season.
• The Florida Everblades and Germain Arena announced that the Tampa Bay Lightning will play host to the Florida Panthers in a NHL preseason game at Germain Arena on Thursday, September 26 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Don’t forget to post  pictures of your Lightning collectibles on our Facebook page to get a chance to win a movie for two. Contest ends on August 15.

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