Lightning Name Dave Andreychuk, Phil Esposito to Vice President Positions

courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning
Former Captain, Founder to Take on Expanded Roles for Franchise

TAMPA BAY – After making three brand and business-transforming
announcements in the past two weeks, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced
during its game tonight against the Washington Capitals that Stanley
Cup-winning captain Dave Andreychuk and team founder Phil Esposito are
both expanding their roles with the organization, joining the management
team as vice presidents. Andreychuk becomes vice president of fans while
Esposito becomes vice president of corporate relations.

Andreychuk currently works as community representative while Esposito
works as a radio color commentator for the team’s home broadcasts. Both
will continue in their current roles while taking on additional
responsibilities for the remainder of the season and the future.

“We are excited that both Dave and Phil have elected to enhance their
roles with the organization,” said CEO Tod Leiweke. “As we continue to
position the organization for long-term success, the appointment of both
Lightning legends to the management team will allow us to work more
intimately with our fan base. As our most prominent faces in the
community, nobody knows our fans better than these men and we look forward
to giving our fans a daily voice in the business through them.”

In his new role, Andreychuk will work directly on the ticket sales
campaigns to retain current season ticket holders and assist in
cultivating new accounts for the Lightning. He will participate in senior
staff meetings, being offered the opportunity to learn every aspect of the
sports and entertainment business.

“As our number one stakeholders, our season ticket holders deserve
benefits and experiences that nobody else can receive,” said Andreychuk.
“I’d like to help this organization thank our great fans and I also
appreciate the opportunity to learn all I can about the business of hockey
with a goal of growing my off-the-ice career.”

Esposito, who founded the franchise and served as general manager for the
organization’s first seven seasons, becomes an advisor to the Lightning
executive team, while also assisting in the suite sales process. He will
work alongside the organization’s sales staff to identify suite and
premium ticketing prospects with a goal of increasing the numbers of suite
holders in the St. Pete Times Forum.

“I’d like to thank (Chairman and Governor) Jeff (Vinik) along with Tod for
growing my role with the franchise,” said Esposito upon accepting his new
position. “Having founded the Lightning 20 years ago and seeing it win the
Stanley Cup in 2004, I know how successful we can be here in Tampa Bay.
This new role gives me more of a chance to help us succeed.”

— ALL IN —