File photo.
Mike Carlson/Getty ImagesWhat do you think? It's Gasparilla season and the Bolts this week revealed their pirate-inspired new jersey. You won't see them wear it during any games, but look for them during pre-game warmups.
Fan reaction so far has been pretty positive. I personally think it strays too far away from the team's look. There's very little that makes me think Tampa Bay Lightning. If this was some new start up minor league hockey team in Tampa, I'd love it. But it just isn't Tampa Bay Lightning'y enough for me. I would've liked the Bolts official blue color incorporated somehow. Right now it's all black and gold - which I get it... it's Gasparilla. Send me your thoughts @GenoRadio and I'll include them below.
A sure sign that another hockey season is about to begin is ice installation day at Amalie Arena. I got to take a first-hand look at the process. I learned some pretty interesting stuff - like did you know the ice the Tampa Bay Lightning play on is only an inch and a quarter deep!?
Felt good to be back in the arena!
So weird to walk in and see it this empty!
Geno / BBGIIt's always so weird to walk in and see Amalie Arena completely empty.
This machine is about half the size of the Zamboni. It first lays down water. Then white paint. Then more water.
This machine is about half the size of the Zamboni. It first lays down water. Then white paint. Then more water.
It sprays the water and paint in a fine mist to keep the ice dense.
It sprays the water and paint in a fine mist to keep the ice dense. That's how the ice can be so thin I guess. I mean imagine that abuse that ice takes... all those skates, players digging in deep, sticks taking slapshots, and that enormous heavy Zamboni riding on it to clean the surface.
We can verify their claims... if the Lightning use it, it must be the good stuff.
This is what it looks like when the white paint layer goes on before it's covered with more ice.
This is what it looks like when the white paint layer goes on before it's covered with more ice.
The logos are ready to come out and be put on the ice.
The logos are ready to come out and be put on the ice.
I think we need a few more of these. Especially the dark blue ones.
I'd imagine that Dunkin box is the most vital equipment.
Fortunately they didn't leave the water on.
It was FREEZING in the arena... but I guess that's the point.
In fact, they had to wait a couple days to get the arena cold enough after Rod Stewart's concert.
Geno / Q105The Zamboni will be able to make its first run tomorrow once everything has set.
The Zamboni makes its first run a day or so after once everything has set.
