The Sports Club of Tampa Bay held its annual Hall of Fame Ceremony on Wednesday night. Among the new inductees was Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper and radio play-by-play broadcaster Dave Mishkin.
“What’s special about Tampa? This is what’s special,” said Cooper. “This is what it is. It’s all of you. For me and my family, this is all I’ve ever known. This is all my kids have ever known.”
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Cooper was hired by the Lightning in March 2013 and changed the trajectory of the organization. He is the longest-tenured coach in the NHL and has led the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021, and four Eastern Conference championships in 2015, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
“Contrary to rumors and whatever is going on out there, I’m never leaving you guys.”
Dave Mishkin, who was also inducted, has been the radio play-by-play broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Lightning since 2002.
“It was a great night. I’m honored to be a part of such an amazing induction class,” said Mishkin.
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The full list Hall of Fame Inductees Include:
Dick Vitale, ESPN Analyst
Dave Mishkin, Sports Broadcaster
Rob Higgins, Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director
Jon Cooper, Coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning
Evan Longoria, Rays Player
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach and NFL Hall of Famer, Tony Dungy.
Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images