By Elijah Alvarado, Sports Editor
History has been made in Tampa, Florida as the city hosted its first outdoor stadium series, and it was a spectacular event. Now many fans are reflecting on how happy they are to have witnessed this once in a lifetime moment.
Sunday, Feb. 1 was an electrical night in Tampa, as the Tampa Bay Lightning hosted the first ever NHL Outdoor Stadium Series game to be played in Tampa, against the Boston Bruins, and it was unforgettable.
This weekend, the City of Tampa hosted its annual Gasparilla festivities, which was the theme for this year’s NHL Outdoor Stadium series. The entire event was decorated with pirate decor to match the theme.
A local true hockey lover, Augustine Pescatore, a sophomore, business management major and forward on the Saint Leo University Men’s Ice Hockey Team, shares his perspective on this tremendous event.
“It was one of the best hockey games I’ve ever attended, and without question the best last-minute decision I’ve made,” said Pescatore.
One of the biggest concerns leading up to the game was the Tampa weather. In Tampa, it is very challenging to predict and know if it will be suitable for an ice hockey event.
According to WFLA New Channel 8, the temperature was 41.8 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a perfect temperature for ice hockey.
Leading up to the game, fans were concerned the ice rink would not be able to hold against the Tampa climate but, believe it or not, the cold was becoming a threat for the ice and players.
During the broadcast of the game, ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan said, “It is so cold that beginning in warmups and throughout the game, the NHL will actually be heating the ice to keep it the right temperature, as the temperature drops out here.”
The Lightning not only made history in Tampa Bay, but had a historical franchise record of coming back from a four-goal deficit and winning the game with a final score of 5-1, with 64,617 spectators in attendance.
Jacob Green, a psychology major and alternate captain for the Saint Leo University Men’s Ice Hockey Team, shared his exciting experience.
“I was so happy that I was able to be in attendance with my teammate on the Saint Leo Ice Hockey Team, Augy Pescatore, and that game will be a story we bring up for the rest of our lives,” said Green.
