Just before the season got underway the Tampa Bay Lightning announced that they would be establishing a Hall of Fame for the organization. Details were a bit sketchy at the time, but they did let us know that the inaugural inductees would be honored during an Alumni Weekend, which will take place from March 16th-19th.
Earlier today they revealed the 12 players, coaches, broadcasters, and executives that those inductees will be chosen from. Per their press release, here are the names and accomplishments:
2022-23 LIGHTNING HALL OF FAME NOMINEES (Alphabetical Order):
Dave Andreychuk:
- Second-most power-play goals in NHL history
- Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee
Brian Bradley:
- Led Bolts to first playoff appearance
- Netted first goal at Ice Palace (now AMALIE Arena)
Terry Crisp:
- First head coach in Lightning history
- Played vital role in early growth of TBL franchise
- Third-most games coached in Lightning history
Phil Esposito:
- Founded the Lightning franchise
- Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee
- 30-plus years with TBL organization
Jay Feaster:
- 2004 NHL Executive of the Year
- TBL General Manager from 2002-08
- Acquired Ruslan Fedotenko, Darryl Sydor, Brad Lukowich and more
Ruslan Fedotenko:
- Scored both goals in Game 7 of 2004 SCF
- Tied for team lead in 2004 Playoffs with 12 goals
- Led Tampa Bay with six goals in 2004 ECF
Pavel Kubina:
- 1996 7th-round pick by the Lightning
- 10 seasons with the Bolts
- Second-most games by a defenseman in Lightning history (662)
Fredrik Modin:
- Alternate captain with Tampa Bay for four seasons
- Ranked third on Bolts with 19 playoff points in 2004
- Ninth-most goals in Lightning history
Henry Paul:
- First vice president and secretary for Tampa Bay
- Partnered with Phil Esposito to help with early business operations
- Played instrumental role in finding additional partners for TBL startup
Rick Peckham:
- Lightning play-by-play announcer for 24 years
- 2020 Hewitt Memorial Award Recipient
- Permanently remembered in AMALIE Arena press box with “The Rick Peckham Broadcast Booths”
Brad Richards:
- Stanley Cup Champion
- Conn Smythe Trophy Winner
- Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Winner
Rob Zamuner:
- 13th-most games in Lightning history
- Only player to play all 84 games in inaugural season
- Fourth captain in Bolts history
Wait, there are two pretty big names that aren’t on the list!