I was born and raised in Tampa, but after college I moved to Denver for work. I learned pretty quickly that it’s a lot easier to keep up with the Bolts on the radio than trying to watch every game. Over the past few years I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for our broadcasting team. Don’t get me wrong—Mishkin has been and always will be the GOAT of play-by-play in the 813. But I will never miss a home game because of one man: Phil Esposito.

He curses on the air, calls plays honestly, and wears his heart on his sleeve.

Phil is also one of the pivotal figures in making this team possible in Tampa. During the expansion process, he pushed potential buyers hard to choose Tampa Bay (allegedly, even the yakuza). One of the greatest goal scorers of his generation, and one of the biggest advocates for hockey in Tampa Bay.

I swear, one of these days he’s going to see one too many failed passes and storm onto the ice. Someone will yell, “What’s wrong with you?!”

Unfortunately, he won’t be able to hear them—he’s gone a little bit deaf.

17 comments

  1. The Tampa Bay Lightning do not exist without Phil – he will always be the greatest Bolt of all.

  4. Fantastic player and founder. Always appreciated that his vision of bringing hockey to the sunshine state was about making sure the game was represented properly while embracing the Tampa/St. Pete area. (Totally different compared to another team who wanted a hockey team to advertise a video rental chain if you know what I’m talking about)

  5. I love Espo! Founder of the team, legendary hockey player, and superb color commentator. His on-air personality is perfect for the team and I simply love having him on that broadcast team. I like his stories, too, always good to hear about the old days from an old-timer.

  11. As a new fan, this post was really interesting to read, thanks!

    Does anyone know a good documentary about the team’s history?

  14. Haha espo is great as long as he’s not involved in any personnel decisions. Quite possibly one of the worst GMs in NHL history. But great as a figurehead for the team

  16. I did some work on his home in Tampa circa 1996. He and his wife are lovely people. Gave me a signed puck. Someone stole it from me.

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