So, we are back online on our 7th birthday. On august 13th, 2002 the site was launched first time, and now, on august 13th, 2009 it has been re-launced after more than half a year offline mode.

The day the Tampa Bay Lightning departed for Europe for Bridgestone NHL Premiere 2008, rookie center Steven Stamkos started to understand the reality of his new world.

The sudden end to the playing career of 18-year- old David Carle has presented a path to a new beginning as the newly appointed student assistant coach at the University of Denver.

Goaltender Riku Helenius did what any determined hockey prospect would do after missing most of the 2006-07 season following major shoulder surgery. He came to North America from his native Finland to prove to himself and to the team that selected him No. 15 in the 2006 Entry Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning, that he had what it took to excel in North America.

Despite finishing last in the NHL in 2007-08, the Tampa Bay Lighting have certainly been a hot topic of discussion this summer.

"Catching Up With ..." will keep you in touch with the Admirals over the long summer months. A new player or hockey operations staff member will be interviewed regularly.

norfolkadmirals.com catches up with #30 Radek Smolenak today. Like Paul Szczechura, who we caught up with last time, Smolenak enjoyed an offensive explosion in January when he was paired up with newcomers Szczechura and Junior Lessard. On January 18, the second year pro scored his first AHL goal in his 39th career AHL game. In the last 38 games of 2007-08, Smolenak scored 15 goals – the most goals of any Admiral during that span. He also accumulated 80 penalty minutes in those 38 games, as Smolenak embraced the role of agitator in addition to goal scorer. The 21-year-old native of Prague, Czech Republic, will enter his third pro season in 2008-09.

Barry Melrose has been named thesixth head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, it was announced by owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have bought out the contract of goaltender Marc Denis today, Executive Vice President and General Manager Jay Feaster announced. Denis had one year remaining on his contract.

For more information, please visit Lightning Official web-page

Former NHL player and ex-player agent Brian Lawton has been hired to be the new vice president of hockey operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Sources tell TSN Lawton will oversee all aspects of the Lightning's hockey operations for new owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie.

General manager Jay Feaster will remain as part of the management team.

For more information, please visit TSN.ca