The Block Party

This week on Block Party Live, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn welcome two beloved former Tampa Bay Lightning fan favorites, Tyler Johnson and Nate Thompson, for a special Fantasy Camp edition of the show. From unforgettable NHL stories and Stanley Cup memories to life after retirement and hilarious locker room tales, the longtime teammates share plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes insights.

Nate discusses his transition into hockey media, the challenge of balancing honesty and respect while analyzing today's game, and some of the stories that will probably never make it to air. Tyler reflects on staying connected with former teammates, life after hockey, and the biggest adjustments that come with retirement.

The conversation also dives into memorable coaches, favorite NHL cities, wild road trip stories, surreal career moments, and some of the toughest injuries they've witnessed during their careers. Plus, the duo answers questions from Fantasy Camp participants and shares what they’re most proud of from their time in the NHL.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome to Block Party Live from Lightning Fantasy Camp
00:42 - Nate Thompson recalls fighting Zenon Konopka and AHL rivalries
02:40 - Tyler Johnson on his limited fighting career and protecting teammates
03:40 - Nate's transition from player to hockey media personality
05:03 - How to critique players without disrespecting them
06:46 - Stories that are still off limits after retirement
07:39 - The teammate Nate could call anytime: Ondrej Palat
08:42 - Tyler's favorite Ondrej Palat story
09:22 - Tyler's post-hockey life and charity work
10:17 - Coaches who left a lasting impression, including Randy Carlyle
12:40 - Where Tyler and Nate would fit in today's Lightning lineup
13:39 - The incredible growth of Tampa Bay since their playing days
15:15 - The biggest adjustment to life after hockey
17:08 - Favorite NHL cities and road-trip destinations
19:30 - What surprised them most about reaching the NHL
20:52 - Appreciating NHL perks and life on the road
21:25 - The cultural differences inside an NHL locker room
22:29 - Moments that felt like they were living in a movie
23:32 - Nate's unforgettable NHL call-up story
26:42 - Fan Q&A from Lightning Fantasy Camp participants
27:22 - Underappreciated parts of Tyler Johnson's game
28:28 - Nate Thompson on being an underrated playmaker
29:02 - The ugliest injuries they've witnessed in hockey
32:00 - Final thoughts and Fantasy Camp sendoff

Don't miss this entertaining look back at two memorable Lightning careers filled with stories, laughter, and insights from life in the NHL.

#TampaBayLightning #BlockPartyPodcast #TylerJohnson #NateThompson #NHL #BoltsNation #LightningFantasyCamp #BraydonCoburn #GregWolf #HockeyPodcast

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This week on Block Party, hosts Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn sit down with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Conor Geekie for a wide-ranging and hilarious conversation about life on and off the ice. From his development journey and time in Syracuse to becoming a key part of the Lightning locker room culture, Geekie opens up about the growth that's helped him reach the next level of his game.

Geekie shares how working with renowned skating coach Barb Underhill helped transform his skating, discusses the confidence he's gained as a player, and explains why switching to No. 94 has become part of his identity. He also takes fans behind the scenes of his recent engagement, wedding planning in Saskatchewan, his role as the team's unofficial DJ, gaming habits, Star Wars obsession, and the NHL rule he'd most like to change.

Plus, hear stories about slow-pitch softball tournaments, hockey superstitions, stick customization, locker room music, and the close bond shared by the Lightning's young core.

Timestamps

00:15 - Welcoming Conor Geekie back to Block Party
02:21 - Growth since last appearance: skating, development & confidence
08:44 - Engagement story and proposal details
11:19 - Saskatchewan wedding socials explained
13:24 - Wedding planning and getting married back home
15:48 - Conor's role as the Lightning locker room DJ
18:28 - What music do NHL players listen to?
19:29 - Geek Squad sponsorships, haircuts and hockey flow
21:01 - Syracuse development, competition and support among prospects
23:19 - Why No. 94 feels right
26:10 - Stick superstitions, initials and equipment habits
31:18 - Gaming, Rocket League, Rainbow Six & Farming Simulator
33:07 - Fashion advice, game-day outfits and Amazon shopping
35:17 - Star Wars fandom and building a lightsaber
36:49 - "Game Changer" NHL rule debate
39:04 - Final thoughts and season outlook

⚡ Subscribe for new episodes of Block Party, featuring exclusive conversations with your favorite Tampa Bay Lightning players, coaches and personalities.

#TampaBayLightning #ConorGeekie #BlockPartyPodcast #NHL #BoltsNation #LightningHockey #HockeyPodcast #BraydonCoburn #GregWolf #TampaBaySports

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On this special live edition of Block Party, hosts Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn welcome one of the most influential figures in Tampa Bay sports history, Jeff Vinik, Owner and Chairman of the Tampa Bay Lightning, for an unforgettable conversation in front of a live audience.

Jeff opens up about his recovery from a serious snowmobiling accident in Norway, reflects on the journey from purchasing the Lightning in 2010 to building a perennial Stanley Cup contender, and shares behind-the-scenes stories about bringing Steve Yzerman, Todd Leiweke, and championship culture to Tampa.

The conversation also dives into Water Street Tampa, the Lightning Community Heroes program, the organization's future under partners Doug Ostrover and Mark Lipschultz, memorable Stanley Cup celebrations, favorite hockey stories, music, philanthropy, and why Tampa Bay has become one of the NHL's premier destinations.

Plus, Jeff shares candid thoughts on leadership, ownership, community impact, and what excites him most about the next era of Lightning hockey.

Whether you're a lifelong Bolts fan or interested in leadership, business, and building a winning culture, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

⚡ Topics Include:

• Jeff Vinik's snowmobiling accident and recovery
• The evolution of the Tampa Bay Lightning
• Hiring Steve Yzerman and Todd Leiweke
• Water Street Tampa and downtown development
• Lightning Community Heroes and philanthropy
• Stanley Cup memories and celebrations
• The future of the Lightning organization
• Young players to watch this season
• Leadership lessons and ownership philosophy
• Green Day, hockey, and favorite personal stories

#TampaBayLightning #JeffVinik #BlockPartyPodcast #NHL #HockeyPodcast #BoltsNation #TampaBay #LightningCommunityHeroes #WaterStreetTampa #StanleyCup #RyanCallahan #GregWolf #TampaSports #SportsBusiness #Leadership

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On this week’s Block Party podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois to discuss the team’s outlook moving forward after a 4th straight exit in the first round, some of the young players making an impact, the Bolts identity, The Syracuse Crunch’s season and his Olympics experience in Milan.

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On this week’s Block Party podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Pat Maroon are joined by hockey influencer Ryan Winn to discuss his hockey background, cheering on his sister as she won a Gold Medal in the Olympics, how viral moments shape sports content, his new Kick Ice show collaboration with the Lightning, his love of jorts and more.

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On this week’s Block Party podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas to discuss his journey to covering the NHL, the playoffs, his thoughts on this Lightning team, the chances Bolts players win postseason awards and more.

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On this week’s Block Party podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand. They discuss his family history in hockey, being traded to Tampa Bay last season, his compartment syndrome injury last year prior to the playoffs and why he is called ‘The Maestro’

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On this week’s Block Party Podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Corey Perry. They discuss his recent injured eye that he got in a fight, his long NHL career, chasing another the Stanley Cup, memorable moments and teammates, why he wanted to come back to Tampa Bay and this season’s outlook as the playoffs approach.

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On this week’s Block Party podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf, Braydon Coburn and Pat Maroon are joined by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Scott Sabourin. They discuss his long journey to the NHL, defying stereotypes, his fighting style, why he likes the Lightning, staying engaged when not on the ice much and our game “Are you an enforcer or an instigator?”

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On this week’s Block Party Podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Max Crozier. They discuss dealing with injuries this season, studying the game while rehabbing, being drafted by the Lightning, transitioning from college to pro hockey, the development program in Syracuse and his friendship with Parker Wares.

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On this week’s Block Party Podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by Lightning reporter Julie Stewart-Binks. They discuss her journey from sports lover to reporter, saying yes to every opportunity, filling in for Gabby Shirley on Lightning broadcasts, behind the scenes stories from locker rooms, the evolution of hockey media and more.

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On this week’s Block Party podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh. They discuss why he wanted to come back to Tampa Bay, watching the Olympic hockey tournament, how his game has evolved over time, his post-career plans, dealing with injuries and this year’s Lightning team.

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On this week’s Block Party podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn were joined by Yanni Gourde live in the Cigar City Taproom. They discuss his Bolts Beginning episode taking him back to where he grew up, returning to Tampa Bay last season at the trade deadline, the ‘backpack’ line he now centers, how he’s matured throughout his career, his love of building things and playing in the Stadium Series game.

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On this week’s Block Party podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Gage Goncalves LIVE at the Cigar City Taproom. They discuss watching the Olympics and his teammates playing in it, the Stadium Series game, this Lightning season, his role models, how has the best hair on the team, favorite foods and more.

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On this week’s Block Party Podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nick Paul. They discuss his journey with the Lightning, his recent injury and comeback to start the season, the excitement surrounding the Stadium Series game and Gasparilla, how the team has stepped up this year through injuries, why mental health is so important to him and he answers questions from the audience.

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On this week’s Block Party podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman as they discuss the upcoming NHL trade deadline, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s season, the respect Nikita Kucherov has around the league, why Jon Cooper could win the Jack Adams trophy this season and the upcoming Olympic games.

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On this week’s Block Party podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel. They discuss his first 2 seasons in Tampa, playing with both Sidney Crosby and Nikita Kucherov, Stadium Series games, the NHL playoff format and representing Team USA in next month’s Olympics.

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On this week’s Block Party podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by NHL VP of Hockey Operations Derek King to discuss the logistics of setting up the 2026 NHL Stadium Series Game at Raymond James Stadium on February 1st, 2026. From the challenges of preparing for an outdoor hockey game in Florida, the significance of the game for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the NHL, how they plan to pull this off, the impact of weather on ice conditions and game day preparations, reflections on past outdoor games and the evolution of NHL outdoor events.

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On this week’s Block Party Podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Brayden Coburn are joined by Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Jonas Johansson. They discuss the rise of Swedish goaltenders in the NHL, having to start when Andrei Vasilevskiy has been hurt, the excitement of the upcoming Stadium Series game, how he mentally prepares for games, talking with the media and his love for Tampa Bay and the Lightning.

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On this week’s Block Party podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Declan Carlile. They discuss his journey to the NHL as a undrafted player, the transition from College to pro, adjustments he’s had to make along the way and his idols growing up, playing against those guys and the camaraderie amongst his teammates.

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