Tampa Bay Jr. Lightning

Program Summary

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been approved by USA Hockey to operate a Tier 1 (AAA) boys youth hockey program for the 2026–27 season. The organization will also field Tier 2 (AA) girls teams, all unified under the Jr. Lightning brand.

This program is designed to elevate elite player development in the Tampa Bay region while strengthening the broader Florida hockey ecosystem. Grounded in USA Hockey’s Athlete Development Model (ADM), the Jr. Lightning prioritize weekday training, professional coaching, player centric development, cost efficiency, and meaningful community partnerships.

Structure Leadership Training Model Program Pillars Tryouts

Program Structure

Program Vision

To cultivate elite hockey talent by providing a high‑performance, development‑focused program that expands the game on and off the ice. The Jr. Lightning aim to develop the next generation of athletes through the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, competition, and respect.

The Jr. Lightning will field 8 boys teams and 5 girls teams:

Leadership

Training Model

Boys Tier 1 teams will train three days per week across two premier facilities—AdventHealth Center Ice and Power Pole Arena—ensuring consistent, high‑quality ice time and a structured development environment.
Girls teams will train at AdventHealth Center Ice, Power Pole Arena, and additional local facilities depending on age group needs.

The program is committed to helping players advance at a nationally competitive level through:

  • Consistent weekday training
  • A strong team‑centered culture
  • Strategic, limited travel supporting player and family balance

Supported by Lightning Alumni, Tier II partner programs, and a development‑driven coaching staff, the Jr. Lightning offer athletes exceptional opportunities to grow and compete while staying rooted in their home community.

Tier 1 Boys Teams

Tournament Teams

  • 9U
  • 10U

Full‑Season Teams

  • 11U
  • 12U
  • 13U
  • 14U
  • 15U
  • 16U

Tier 2 Girls Teams

Full‑Season Tier 2 AA Teams

  • 10U
  • 12U
  • 14U
  • 16U
  • 19U

Program Pillars

Community

Accessible, collaborative, locally supported programming that strengthens the Florida hockey ecosystem.

Development

ADM aligned long term athlete development featuring high practice to game ratios and age appropriate skill progression.

Character

Leadership, integrity, service, and mentorship empowered by strong Lightning Alumni involvement.

Tryout Information

Boys Tier 1 Tryouts:

  • April 6–8 at AdventHealth Center Ice
  • Multi‑day evaluation process including skills and game‑based sessions.

Girls Tier 2 Tryouts:

  • May 3rd @ AdventHealth Center Ice
    • 12UAA
      • 11:15-12:45 pm
    • 14UAA
      • 1:15-2:45 pm
    • 16UAA
      • 3:00-4:30 pm
    • 19UAA
      • 4:45-6:15 pm
  • May 9th @ Power Pole Arena
    • 10U
      • 11:15-12:45 pm

For any questions regarding Boys Tier 1 information please contact Tyler Watkins at [email protected].
For any questions regarding Girls Jr. Lightning information please contact Kelley Steadman at [email protected].

Boys Tryout Registration
Girls Tryout Registration