Fun, finally, in the sun

After spending nearly two hours in the sun earlier today, I was certainly was glad to see Tampa Bay’s Vinny Prospal. Because he’s usually the first to leave practice, and always signs, we knew others would soon follow.

Those of us outside the St. Pete Times Forum, believing the practice would end at noon, not 1 p.m., weren’t disappointed. Most every other player, except Vinny Lecavalier (whose Bentley nearly got clipped by one of Tampa's trolleys), Tim Taylor and Dmitry Afanasenkov, signed pucks, cards, a team stick and the latest efforts by one artistic hound (I'll try to get pictures soon).

Even Marty St. Louis and Brad Richards signed, adding to my 2006-07 Lighting team helmet. Also finding room on the helmet were Marc Denis, Ryan Craig, Doug Janik and Nick Tarnasky. After today, I need only signatures from Afanasenkov and backup goalie Johan Holmqvist to complete it.

Ruslan Fedotenko, the Lightning's best with a Sharpie, and Dan Boyle each signed team programs, a freebie at home games.