While the NHL offseason may have hit its stride, the Syracuse Crunch, the AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning, is keeping the spirit of community alive and well. This past weekend, the Crunch organization laced up their walking shoes to take part in NAMIWalks Syracuse, an event with a heart as big as its mission.
NAMIWalks, organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is a nationwide initiative dedicated to raising awareness and funds for mental health advocacy, education, and support. It's a movement that champions the cause of mental health, striving to dismantle the stigma and build a better life for those affected by mental illness.
In Syracuse, the event gathered 145 participants across 14 dedicated teams. Together, they raised an impressive $36,479 to bolster mental health services and fight the stigma surrounding mental illness in their community. It's a testament to the power of collective action and a reminder of the impact that sports organizations can have beyond the rink.
And for those in the Tampa Bay area, the opportunity to contribute is just around the corner. NAMIWalks Hillsborough is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, and it's already drawing interest with 46 participants signed up. It's a chance for the community to come together, step by step, to support a cause that touches so many lives.
So, whether you're a hockey fan, a mental health advocate, or just someone looking to make a difference, these walks offer a meaningful way to get involved. The Syracuse Crunch is leading by example, showing us all that the offseason is just another season to give back.
In Other News...
Lightning May Be Bracing To Lose Familiar Forwards This Summer
The Lightning used the second day of the 2026 NHL Draft to add six more prospects, including three forwards, two defensemen and a goaltender, while also making a small move up the board that showed how much they valued one of their targets. Tampa Bay sent the 58th and 133rd picks to Edmonton to jump six spots and take Oleg Kulebiakin at No. 52, a player GM Julien BriseBois described as bringing both skill and a strong work ethic to the organization.
Even with the draft class in hand, the more pressing questions for Tampa Bay are coming with the start of free agency. BriseBois said some players are expected to hit the market, and the Lightning are still working through contract matters elsewhere on the roster, leaving the front office with more to sort out as summer begins. The team has added bodies for the future, but the shape of the current lineup could still change in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]