One of the biggest news stories in Central Florida this summer has been the new part of Universal Studios Orlando. Their extremely popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened their Diagon Alley expansion opened in early July to huge crowds and fanfare. With the NHL season still a long way off, we decided to have a little fun.
Those of you familiar with the Harry Potter universe know that Harry attends a magical school called Hogwarts. Students are divided into one of four houses upon their arrival at school: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Each house is identified by a few notable traits qualities that the person values or exhibits. Where would the Sorting Hat send the roster of the Tampa Bay Lightning? We have tackled this hard hitting subject.
Gryffindor: Ah, Gryffindor. The most well known house due to the title character, Harry, being sorted there upon his arrival at the wizarding school. Members of this house value bravery, daring, nerve and chivalry. They’re the first to jump in to defend their friends, even if that means engaging in a fight. They tend to be firey individuals who leap into action before considering the circumstances. Gryffindors also often possess a desire for glory and great adventures.
The first Bolt to fit the bill for this house is none other than Captain Steven Stamkos. He’s the Boy Who Lived… through OK Hockey. Ben Bishop, Ryan Callahan, and Tyler Johnson also fit the bill.
Ravenclaw: Members of this house value intelligence, knowledge and wit. They love learning and will seek as much knowledge as possible whenever they can. They tend to focus on more cerebral pursuits.
When it comes to the Lightning a few guys fit the bill for this house. Harvard man Alex Killorn, Valtteri Filppula, Ondrej Palat and wunderkind Jonathan Drouin. Not necessarily the most gregarious, their play on the ice speaks to their studious devotion to the game.
Hufflepuff: Members of this house place a high importance on hard work, patience, loyalty and fair play. These traits are valued more than being particularly skilled at any one attribute. They are very group-oriented and care deeply about those around them.
None of these are bad characteristics, but Hufflepuff has gotten a bit if a reputation as being a dumping ground for those can’t hack it elsewhere. It’s unfair, but a couple Bolts defensemen fit the bill for this house. Eric Brewer and Matt Carle are much maligned by some Lightning fans and it’s largely undeserved. New Bolt Brian Boyle can fit in this house as well. He may not be the most skilled, but it’s hard to question his dedication to his teammates.
Slytherin: This house has a bit of an evil reputation, but that’s what happens when a series’ ultimate bad guy ended up there during his time in school. That’s not to say that all Slytherin traits are bad. They value ambition, cunning, and resourcefulness. Like Gryffindors, Slytherins are often in search of individual greatness but are loyal to their own group. They can be confrontational and willing to take risks. They can be a bit dark and mysterious.
Since this house is often seen as a haven for villains, it needs to be stated that this isn’t an insult to any of the guys. Radko Gudas and Victor Hedman could do well here. Gudas most definitely isn’t afraid of confrontation. Victor is a resourceful, cunning player who is really growing into his role on the blueline. Both also seem to carry a wicked sense of humor. A little too wicked to fit anywhere else.
There’s quite a few other guys on the team we weren’t sure exactly where they would fit. There’s also several new guys who we don’t know that well yet. Would the veteran statesmen Brenden Morrow and Evgeni Nabokov be more suited as professors? Is Steve Yzerman our Dumbledore? Are Kristers Gudlevskis and Andrei Vasilevskiy studying abroad at the Durmstrang Institute?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments and let us know where our Bolts belong at Hogwarts!
(Stamkos photoshop/RunsOnDuncan}, (Hedman Photoshop/Tarra_D)
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