Thrive
Tampa Bay Lightning unveils advanced youth hockey program
It will include both Tier 1 (AAA) boys and Tier 2 (AA) girls programs.
For experienced youth hockey players, learning from former Tampa Bay Lightning athletes may seem like a pipe dream. Later this year, it could become a reality.
The organization unveiled the Tampa Bay Jr. Lightning youth program Feb. 27. This is the first time that the team has been involved in a project of this kind.
According to Lightning director of hockey development Josh Dreith, the coaches for the initiative will be about 50% alumni. Braydon Coburn and John Tucker will be involved in the program’s operations.
The effort will include both Tier 1 (AAA) boys and Tier 2 (AA) girls programs. These levels are sanctioned by USA Hockey.
Dreith explained that there will be boys tournament and full season teams. Younger children will compete in the less-intensive tournament option – participants will only play a few games. Both will have a Tier 1 National Bound status. Details about the girls program will be released in the coming weeks.
“This opportunity was brought to us by Statewide Amateur Hockey of Florida (SAHOF),” he said. “We’ve supported hockey at the grassroots level to introduce the game and now we can support more advanced hockey.”
The Tampa Bay Lightning organization partnered with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) to create a low-cost Learn to Play experience for children between the ages of four and 11. The program features eight hour-long training sessions.
It has also created a Rookie League eight-week program for young people. Additionally, the team sponsored an outdoor hockey rink at the former Youth Park in Pinellas Park. It has been refurbished and is now at the recently opened Sprowls Horizon Sports Park.
Community experiences are at the heart of the organization, Dreith added. Being able to provide a competitive youth program for local families was a key factor in the decision.
The team began working on the initiative in 2025. Dreith will serve as president on the Board of Directors for the effort.
It will be based on USA Hockey’s American Development Model. According to the ADM website, the concept is an “athlete-centered, coach-enhanced, administrator-supported framework that aims to help all individuals realize their athletic potential and utilize sport as a path toward an active and healthy lifestyle.”
Participants will practice at AdventHealth Center Ice, a facility in Wesley Chapel, and Tampa’s Power Pole Arena, he explained. Full season teams will practice three times a week and then compete all over the country.
However, hockey will not be the only thing participants learn. They will be encouraged to volunteer and give back to the community as part of the program.
“The most important thing is creating good humans,” Dreith said. “Not all of these kids are going to be playing in the NHL. So, we can help create good citizens for future employment in any space in the Tampa Bay area.”
Tryouts are scheduled for April 6 – 8. Practices will begin in early to mid August.
“I’m most excited about seeing both boys and girls competing at a high level,” he added. “I’m also excited to see what the alumni can do with the kids in the community.”
