The Stanley Cup Playoffs series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers is providing a unique opportunity to grow the game and its fanbase.

The cross-state rivalry has even casual fans getting into it.

In 2016, the Lightning donated equipment to the RCMA Wimauma Community Academy. Students who picked up sticks then have become players and fans now.

“A lot of the kids were asking me what I thought of Saturday’s game,” said Athletic Director Joe Puente. “And we’re seeing those dirty fouls, we were getting pretty upset. And some of the kids text me on the weekends when they’re watching the games and they’re like, ‘Oh Mr. Joe did you see that?’ So they’re watching when I’m watching.”

Growing the sport in Tampa and the state has long been an initiative for the Lightning.

“So I think all this will create fandom, and more youth playing and it just continues to grow the game here in Florida,” said team CEO Steve Griggs.

Use the video above to see the full story from Spectrum Bay News 9’s Adria Iraheta