Tampa Bay Lightning to build street hockey rink at Premier Sports Campus

Outdoor hockey in Lakewood Ranch will soon be a reality — just not the kind on ice. 

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced Wednesday morning that the franchise will build an outdoor street hockey rink at Premier Sports Campus as part of its "Build the Thunder" youth hockey program. The rink will be the first of 10 the Lightning plan to build across five counties surrounding Tampa, team CEO Steve Griggs said. 

Antonio Saviano, the director of Premier Sports Campus, said he's ecstatic about the new rink.

"It's going to be great," Saviano said. "It brings another sport to PSC. We get 300 to 400 kids out here every night. What better place to build a rink than here?"

The rink will be 120 feet long, 60 feet wide and have all the features of a typical indoor rink, minus the ice. The Lightning will help PSC provide training to kids who want to learn the game. Eventually, the goal is to start teams and leagues at the rink. 

Fifth-graders from Robert E. Willis Elementary were invited to play a street hockey game with Lightning legends, including Stanley Cup champion Vincent Lecavalier, at the press conference. 

The Lightning also announced a three-year extension of its partnership with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. They have been partners since January 2013. 

Rex Jensen, the president and CEO of SMR, said the community-first culture of the Lightning aligns with that of his organization, and that the partnership has allowed SMR to continue its economic development efforts. 

"It's the best of both worlds for hockey fans," he said. "A great team and organization to enjoy, without the curse of cold, grey winters and piles of snow."