Introduction to my blog!

Me at a Tampa Bay Lightning game this season!!

Hi everyone!My name is Lauren Burg and I am a senior in the journalism program at USF St. Petersburg. This semester, I took a Sports Journalism course and at the end of the semester our class was asked to take the stories we wrote throughout the semester and put them in either a blog or website format. I have wanted to be a writer since I learned to write and I have always had a great passion for sports. The stories I wrote for my Sports Journalism course have to do with hockey and the Tampa Bay Lightning because that is where my passion lies. I also work for the St Petersburg Times as a high school sports correspondent and have published the links to some of the articles I have written for them. Finally, I am a passionate photographer,mainly photographing sporting events and plan to publish a blog with all photographs sometime in the near future!Anyways, I really enjoyed making this blog and I hope you enjoy reading it!

Palm Harbor U-42, Pinellas Park-6

Here is a link to one of the many games that I have covered over the past two years for the St. Petersburg Times Prep Section.

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/footballpreps/article904130.ece?comments=legacy

St Pete Times Forum

Me in front of the St Pete Times Forum in Tampa, home to the Tampa Bay Lightning!

Nestled deep in downtown Tampa is a building that rises high above most others. It is surrounded by restaurants and Tampa Bay to one side and a university and performing arts center to the other side. It is known as home to the National Hockey League (NHL)’s Tampa Bay Lightning and the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm. However, it has also served as host to many concerts and basketball tournaments over the years.
It is one of the few places you will find that has a sports bar on-site, along with many across the street and even next to it. It is also located within walking distance from the Florida Aquarium, the Port of Tampa and the Channelside District. According to USF St. Petersburg journalism major Sara Palmer, “I like that it is surrounded by other things to do; you can really make a day of it. You can go to the aquarium, see the Lightning play and then go grab a few beers in Channelside after the game. I enjoy places that have a variety of good fun all within a few blocks.”
It also features good parking, located either on-site or within five blocks of it. According to Jerald Cardin, a 69 year old retired school principal from Alabama, “I like how the parking deck opens right out to the entrance to the arena. Also, it is large enough to accommodate any sporting event or concert and all of the seats (in the arena) are good seats.”
The inside features three main levels of seating. Also, if you go to a Lightning game, there are suites. Many of these are sponsored by players and the Foundations they started. If you are lucky, you are given the chance to sit in the player’s suite and sometimes even meeting the player themselves. There are also close to four televisions that hang from the ceiling. These help those people in the upper deck see what is happening below without needing binoculars. According to USF St. Petersburg senior mass communications major Kaeli Conforti, “I like how it is big enough to hold so many thousands of people but at the same time it’s roomy enough that you don’t notice the crowds as much. I went to the Billy Joel & Elton John concert and even though we were sitting in the “nosebleed section” the big screen TV helped us to see their performance as if we were in the front row. There doesn’t seem to be a bad view in the place and the tickets for their events are always reasonably priced.”
This building is mainly known for its sports, however. From early October to early April, sometimes even later if the team makes the playoffs, it’s home to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning. Afterward, the ice comes up and is usually replaced with the fake turf of an arena football field. Even during the season, the ice will come up and be replaced by tile floors for a basketball tournament or a stage for a concert. According to USF St. Petersburg journalism major Olivia Huff, “I like the fact that no matter where you are sitting, you have a great view. It kind of reminds me of a basketball stadium.”
Outside of it is also very nice, especially after a night game. It features a stage area often used during concerts after Tampa Bay Lightning games. Even if the team got killed, it is nice to walk out into the night and hear music hit your ears like an angel singing to you. It also has plenty of room, allowing you to move freely along with a big screen TV that shows the games on the wall of the parking garage. According to Lauren Jackson, a St. Petersburg College graduate student and Registered Nurse, “I like the Tampa Bay Lightning games. All the excitement that they have before the game and interactive things the fans can do are really awesome.”
As you can see, this building is well located. If you aren’t interested in paying up to go see the hockey team play, you can enjoy it in other ways. You can watch the game at a sports bar across the street or even the one located on-site. Afterward, you can catch the post game concert or go down to Channelside for a few drinks. Where am I? Welcome to the St. Pete Times Forum!

Sports and the Economy

Me in front of the St Pete Times Forum holding up the poster I made for the final Fan Appreciation Day to show my appreciation for the Lightning!

Tampa Bay Lightning players saluting fans after the final home game on April 9th, 2009!

During tough economic times, everyone is pinching pennies as much as possible. Many sports teams realize this and try to help out their fan base by providing them with discounts. However, the Tampa Bay Lightning has decided to go above and beyond by offering Student Discounts to current students who possess a student identification card and Fan Appreciation Days to be held during the final four home games of the season. According to Kayla Mosley, “(Tampa Bay Lightning) Fan Appreciation days have been taking place here at the Forum for multiple seasons. These Fan Appreciation days are truly days in which our (the Tampa Bay Lightning) club can thank the fans for a great season and their unyielding support.”
Some people may ask why the Lightning offers more ways to reach out to fans as opposed to other teams. There are a few different theories on this question. People sometimes look at a team’s performance to help decide whether they will spend the money or not to see their favorite team play up close and personal. Others just decide to cut out the fun stuff altogether because they just can’t afford it in this struggling economy.
According to USF St. Petersburg Journalism major Jordan Gault, “I think that the economy, as well as the Lightning’s performance, has a large affect on the attendance at games.” He (Gault) then added, “Going to a Lightning game is one of the greatest bargains in the NHL (National Hockey League). Other teams in greater and more natural hockey markets pay a lot more for tickets and still fill the seats because of the tradition. All in all, I think the Lightning organization is doing well to think of the fans in these tough economic times.”
On the other hand, USF St. Petersburg Mass Communications major Jamie Kennedy had this to say in regard to the Student Discounts. “I think they (the ticket discounts) are geared more towards the community than the team.” She (Kennedy) then went on to mention that “granted the team does benefit from playing in an atmosphere where they feel everyone is supporting them.” However, according to Kennedy, “The tickets are more to get bodies in the door and get them spending money right away. In the box office there is even a merchandise store. There are also stores and concessions throughout the entire Forum. By saving (money) on a ticket you then have a little extra cash for a t-shirt or a second beer maybe.”
USF St Petersburg Business Major Christine Uphoff agreed with Kennedy, saying, “I think they (the ticket discounts) are very helpful for the team.” Uphoff then went on to add that, “Not only will they (the Lightning) bring in more people because of the discounted prices but I could see this as broadening a new target market by hitting the college students who are known as beer drinkers that will purchase more at concessions when they pay a lower ticket price. They (college students) are also more willing to go to games at a cheap price.”
The Tampa Bay Lightning also offers Fan Appreciation Day promotions to help make the game day experience of all fans’ more enjoyable before the regular season ends and there are no more hockey games to enjoy for a few months. This year’s Fan Appreciation days took place March 24th versus the Columbus Blue Jackets, March 29th versus the Ottawa Senators, April 7th versus the Pittsburgh Penguins and April 9th versus the Washington Capitals. Each had lots of events for fans to take part in. According to Mosley, “They (Tampa Bay Lightning) have created a diversified list of events, giveaways, raffles and unique experiences for fans that revolve around the last four games of the season. Therefore, with such unique experiences such as sitting in the press box to pressing the goal horn for a Tampa Bay Lightning goal these events are truly once in a lifetime. In addition, fans are able to socialize and receive autographs from players as they walk the red carpet of the St. Pete Times Forum. Lastly, one of the most popular events takes place at the end of the final home game and fans that were selected from a raffle are escorted onto the ice and are literally given the jersey off the players’ back.” Sports teams are like retail stores and the Lightning is no exception. Student discounts and Fan Appreciation days are the best way that they (the Lightning) can think of to thank the fans for their support and also gain some added revenue in these difficult economic times. Mosley then added, “(The) Tampa Bay Lightning takes great pride in our fan base and their continued support (of us). These days are truly a time in which we can say thank you and hopefully fulfill a few dreams and create memories for these fans.”

Vincent Lecavalier Profile

Me with Lightning star Vincent Lecavalier during a Meet n Greet this past season!(My father got tickets from a client who works for All Childrens Hospital & Vinny's Foundation I do believe!)

Vincent Lecavalier. I’m sure you have probably heard the name before but what do you associate him with? People associate him with the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning for whom he plays. However, Lecavalier is more than just a hockey player in the Tampa Bay Area. Some might consider him a role model for all. He gives up a portion of his time and money to help children in Tampa Bay who are battling cancer and other types of blood disorders. According to Liz Willyoung, Executive Director of the Vinny Lecavalier Foundation, “Since early teens, Vinny has spent numerous summers working with physically challenged youth and at summer camps and as a result knew that later in life he would want to create a more formal program to give back and create a legacy in his name.”
Lecavalier’s on-ice statistics with the Lightning are enough to turn many heads around the NHL and in the community. According to vinny4.com, “Lecavalier ranked 9th among NHL rookies in points with 28, 8th in goals with 13 and 5th in shots with 125 in 1998-99. He also had a goal and two assists on February 12th, 2004, tying Brian Bradley for most career points with the Lightning and hitting 300 career points.” Lecavalier also, according to vinny4.com, “set new career playoff highs in games played, goals, assists, penalty minutes, power play goals and shots during the 2004 playoffs.” He did all this while helping to lead the Lightning past the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers and culminating with a hard fought seven game series win over the Calgary Flames before capturing Lord Stanley’s Cup, the Lightning’s first ever. According to vinny4.com, “ Three seasons later in 2005-06’, Lecavalier set another record by notching 52 goals and 108 points, both a franchise best, leading to him capturing the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy given to the NHL’s goal-scoring leader.”
However, Lecavalier’s off-ice contributions to the community, in particular through his Foundation entitled the Vinny Lecavalier Foundation, are far more significant. According to Bill Varian in an October 17th, 2007 St. Petersburg Times article, “Since 2003, Lecavalier, in partnership with Kane’s Furniture, has donated nearly $70,000 to All Children’s Hospital, giving $1,000 for every goal he scores and $300 for each assist.” Even larger than this, however, was his 3-million dollar contribution through his Foundation toward the construction of a Pediatric Cancer Center at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. According to Willyoung, Executive Director of the Vinny Lecavalier Foundation, “Vinny and his foundation devoted two years to researching and meeting with local charities seeking a project deserving of a major, multi million dollar commitment. The Foundation hosted close to 30 different charities, and more than 800 youth and families at a Lightning home game during a two to three year period. The Foundation narrowed the search and ultimately made three site visits prior to selecting the Vinny Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer Center at All Children’s.”
Lecavalier planned to use a few different ways to raise the money that will go toward constructing the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at All Children’s Hospital. According to Varian in his October 17th, 2007 news article, “Lecavalier, along with ‘legacy partners’ in his Foundation, including Kane’s Furniture and DEX Imaging, will provide more than half the money and the remainder of the money will be raised in community fundraising efforts, such as Lecavalier’s annual Texas Hold Em’ Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.” Lecavalier’s Cancer Center will be located in half of the seventh floor of the new All Children’s Hospital which will open in fall 2009. It will also, according to vinny4.com, “include 28 individual patient rooms with accommodations that will allow parents to stay in their child’s room. There is also a HEPA filtered positive pressure airflow system that will allow those patients with a suppressed immune system to move freely throughout the center.”
Lecavalier’s giving goes far beyond what he has accomplished on the ice. He has not only brought a smile to the faces and won the hearts of many Lightning fans by playing his heart out every game, easily making him the face of the franchise. His off ice contributions also help to make Lecavalier so popular among those in the community and most likely a name that Lightning fans and players alike will not quickly forget, even after his career with Tampa Bay is over.
According to Vincent Lecavalier, “I love kids-and I love the Tampa Bay Area so this is a cause with great meaning to me,” explained Lecavalier, who hosts the families of children with cancer in his VIP suite at several Lightning home games each season. “I’ve been fortunate to get to know some of these families. It’s sad whenever you see kids that are sick. Coming to the games is an opportunity to put a smile on their faces but this is a chance to leave a legacy for them and so many others like them for years to come.”

Hockey Fights Cancer

Every year since 1998, all 30 National Hockey League (NHL) teams, players, management and fans have joined together with the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) to help raise awareness and funds for hockey’s most important fight. They host the Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Month one month out of each season. During the 2008-09 seasons, every NHL organization hosted a Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night where cancer patients from the area were given the opportunity to watch games from player suites, along with a chance to partake in player meet and greets and much more. (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=384306)
According to an October 1st, 2008 NHL.com News article, “Members of the hockey family, including NHL coaches, broadcasters and team personnel, will wear a commemorative Hockey Fights Cancer tie at games in October. The lavender tie features blue and pink stripes and an embroidered Hockey Fights Cancer logo. Also, in support of this initiative, all NHL players will wear a Hockey Fights Cancer decal on their helmets during all regular-season games in October.” Also during the month of October, the NHL along with some individual NHL teams will sell merchandise with the Hockey Fights Cancer logo embroidered on it, with part of the proceeds benefitting Hockey Fights Cancer. (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=384306)
Bernadette Mansur, Executive Director of the NHL Foundation, had this to say in an October 1st, 2008 NHL.com News article: “Last year we passed the $10-million milestone for money raised for cancer research through Hockey Fights Cancer.”
Some organizations and even individual players, such as John Cullen, Mario Lemieux, Saku Koivu, Phil Kessel and now Jason Blake, came together to help fight this deadly disease.
John Cullen thought he had it rough because of all the injuries he suffered through from 1991 to 1995 but nothing could compare to his diagnosis of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on March 27th, 1997. He knew that this challenge was going to be much greater than any he had faced so far in his hockey career. (http://mysite.verizon.net/creasemonkeyhockey/players/jcullen.html) Cullen had this to say in a March 4th, 2008 YouTube video, “It’s a tough thing to go through and people need hope, people need faith.” He then went on to add, “I had to work for every inch of ice and I think that’s the way I had to battle cancer too. I had to compete.” However, Cullen felt that his battling helped others who were battling the demons of cancer themselves. According to Cullen in a March 4th, 2008 YouTube video, “They see what I went through and got back to professional level. People must see that and be like ‘Hey. I can do that too.’
Saku Koivu was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on September 5th, 2001. (http://www.habsworld.net/SakuKoivu_02.php) He then, according to an October 18th, 2007 YouTube video, “battled through eight intense months of chemotherapy.” Through all this, Koivu kept a positive attitude and in a YouTube video published on October 18th, 2007 said, “I know that I will win this fight and I’ll be back on the ice before you even know it.” He held true on that promise and despite many doubters was back on the ice on April 8th, 2002 just in time to help the Canadiens make it to the second round of the 2002 playoffs before being ousted by the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes. (http://www.habsworld.net/SakuKoivu_02.php)
To help benefit Hockey Fights Cancer, the Montreal Canadiens, in conjunction with the “Jason Fund”, a foundation formed in memory of 18 year old Jason Gomez who died of stomach cancer in 2006, offered a select few adults who are battling cancer the chance to attend a Canadiens practice, followed by lunch with Canadiens players Saku Koivu and Georges Laraque,” said Kristin Falcao, a reporter for CBC News. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpnbvgbA8as&feature=related) Koivu had this to say to those people who were battling cancer themselves, “The message I guess I’m trying to get across is you got to fight, you got to stay positive. There’s some tough days. There’s no doubt about that but when you have friends-close ones with you- you can do it and I did it and there’s no reason why they can’t do it.” He also established the Koivu Foundation. According to an October 18th, 2007 YouTube video, “Koivu is the cornerstone, remains the cornerstone of the franchise and he is cancer free.” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQB4P14GT4Q)
Other cancer survivors, some who are still playing in the NHL, include Bruins center Phil Kessel and former Penguin captain Mario Lemieux. Mario Lemieux was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in 1993 and now, more than eight years after he was announced cured, established the Mario Lemieux Foundation to help support cancer research in the hopes of finding a cure for this deadly disease. (http://www.mariolemieux.org/medical/childrens.htm)
Meanwhile, Phil Kessel was diagnosed with testicular cancer during his rookie season in December of 2006 and underwent surgery. (http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2006/12/12/medical_issue_for_kessel/) When asked in an October 18th, 2007 YouTube video about how his experience with cancer has changed him as a person, Kessel had this to say. “I think it made me stronger as an individual going through something like that. It’s tough. You just got to stay positive all the time and think you’re going to get better.” In that same video published on October 18th, 2007 Kessel also said that, “Fighting cancer is a big motivation throughout my career and throughout my life. I’m going to spread the message that cancer’s beatable and a lot of people beat it in the world now today.”