The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Monday afternoon that former captain Dave Andreychuk will be honored with a statue on Ford Thunder Alley at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The statue will be unveiled prior to the Lightning’s game against the Dallas Stars on Saturday April 5th. The pregame ceremony will take place at 6:30 pm and will be broadcast live on CW44.
The statue will immortalize Andreychuk lifting the Stanley Cup over his head following the team’s Game 7 victory in the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals. It’s a moment that has been burned onto the memories of many Lightning fans and without a doubt the pinnacle of the team’s history thus far. Andreychuk’s statue will be located at the entrance to Thunder Alley, near the intersections of Channelside Drive and Morgan Street. Made of bronze, it will stand 9 feet tall and weigh 600 pounds. The new addition to the plaza was designed by artists and sculptor Steven Dickey, the creator of the Phil Esposito statue that stands near the entrance to the Forum. (Photo/ Sue Ferlita)
Lightning owner Jeff Vinik shared his thoughts with the official Lightning site:
“The image of captain Dave Andreychuk hoisting the Stanley Cup over his head at center ice is one of the most iconic memories in Lightning history. We are excited to share this moment with every fan that attends a Lightning home game by honoring Dave with this statue.”
Andreychuk played in 278 games for the Lightning as well as captaining the team during the 2003-04 championship. Outside of the goals and records he achieved while wearing a Tampa sweater, some of his most important contributions to the club took place in the locker room. Players were taught the importance of collective respect for the team and the logo they all wore on their jerseys.
Dave remains a familiar face around the Forum. He is the vice president of corporate and community affairs, a regular contributor to Sun Sports’ game day broadcasts, and works with the team’s hockey outreach programs.
Congratulations, Captain Dave! A very well deserved honor.
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