TAMPA, Fla. — News of Tampa Bay Lightning Captain Steven Stamkos's departure hit fans hard.
Inside Hattrick's Tavern on S. Franklin Street, where hockey memorabilia adorns the walls, fan Leah Potter said she was taken aback by the news.
"He is an exciting player to watch. He's taken us to the cup," Potter said of Stamkos. "Definitely going to be a loss. Hopefully, we can find someone to fill his shoes."
What You Need To Know
- Fans said they were shocked at the news Lightning Captain Steven Stamkos is leaving for the Predators
- Lightning faithful said they're grateful he led the team to two Stanley Cup wins
- Read more here
A couple miles away, at Bella's Italian Cafe on South Howard Avenue, Nathan Lara said, "I was really shocked to be honest."
Lara is manager at Bella's and said Stamkos was a regular for years, coming in before and after games with teammates and his family. Lara said was even responsible for a new dish.
"It's just called 'hockey chicken,'" Lara said. "It's just a variation of our chicken parm. He did it with a roasted tomato cream sauce on some angel hairi pasta. Kept ordering, kept ordering, kept coming in - the next thing you know, we put it on the menu."
Lara said it's not on there any more, but customers can still ask for it.
As for fans' messages to Stamkos, Lara said, "Good luck to him. Hope the very best. Stay as healthy as you can."
"I would just want to applaud him," said Potter.