(Josh Flack and Mr. Flack at the 2018-19 Lightning home opener)
By Jake Ricker
As we continue to await the start of the 2023-24 NHL season, we thought it would be fun to kick off a new series called Meet Bolts Nation, where we will explore all of the amazing fans around the world and their stories. If you want to be featured in one of our future installments of Meet Bolts Nation, tweet us @BoltReport_TB with your pitch and the # MeetBoltsNation. Starting us off is Josh Flack.
Becoming a Lightning Fan
The year was 2003, and Josh was heading to his first NHL game with his dad. Traffic was heavy, and they, unfortunately, arrived late to find the Lightning trailing by one to the New Jersey Devils. Things didn't get much better as the Devils went up 3-0 in the second, and Josh's first game experience quickly faded.
But the Lightning did strike back to make it 3-1, and Josh's interest was peaked. Things got heated as the game went on, and the Lightning pulled back within one. Josh, who was already enjoying the fights and Lightning's comeback, then got to experience something every hockey fan loves. Marty St. Louis tied the game at three midway through the third period, and as Josh described it, the fans went "bananas." The game ended in a tie, but Josh was hooked.
Attending Games
Despite living in Colorado, Josh still tries to catch as many games as possible. When Josh visits home, Josh and their dad will hop in the car after returning home and head to the game. As the two prepare to exit the Selmon expressway, there is only one song that can be blasting through the car: Thunderstruck.
Both have been to lots of Lightning games, but one of Josh's favorites was seeing the Lightning sweep the Capitals in the 2011 playoffs on his birthday! Josh has also been to lots of games outside of Amalie Arena. In fact, it's his goal to watch the Lightning play in every NHL arena. So far, six arenas have been visited, and Vegas, San Jose, LA, and Anaheim are next up on the list.
Favorite Player
It's no surprise that Josh's favorite player is Marty St. Louis, as Marty was a big part of Josh becoming hooked on Lightning hockey. But it's not just his great skill that Josh loves. Josh said that even though Marty was an overlooked player, he still did tremendous things for the franchise.
While disappointed that Marty eventually left the Lightning after not getting along with Steve Yzerman, he is still by far Josh's favorite player. Josh even still has an older jersey repping 26 every time it's put on.
Stanley Cup
The Lightning fanbase has been blessed to see their team win three Stanley Cups. Josh even saw Lord Stanley at a local Sports Authority before the 2004 playoff run. During the SCF, Josh was on vacation in DC, and screamed so loud during the final two games that the neighbors thought something bad had happened!
Years later and Josh is still yelling as loud as humanly possible, whether it's at the game or watching from home back in Colorado. Josh's handle on Twitter is @PizzaPal94.
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