By More Than a Mascot: ThunderBug Wins His First NHL Mascot of the Year Award
After 33 years of entertaining Tampa Bay Lightning fans, ThunderBug has finally earned one of the league’s biggest mascot honors. For the first time in his history, ThunderBug was named the NHL Mascot of the Year. But anyone who has followed his work around Tampa Bay knows that he is much more than game-day entertainment.
A fan favorite across Tampa Bay
During the 2010s, ThunderBug’s role began expanding as the Lightning increasingly involved him in community and charitable activities. Since the launch of the Lightning’s Community Hero program in 2011, he has regularly helped celebrate the people the organization honors. ThunderBug could often be seen presenting a Community Hero with a $50,000 check to donate to a nonprofit charity of their choice.
And he doesn’t just have fans – he has an actual fan club.
More than 37,000 people follow ThunderBug on Instagram, and he even has his own merchandise. Yes, fans can purchase clothing from ThunderBug’s personal line at the Lightning store.
In March, he hosted a big birthday celebration outside Benchmark International Arena and invited several other mascots to join the party. Some fans are so devoted to him that they have ThunderBug’s autograph added to their customized Lightning jerseys.
The Bolt who always brings the fun
This season alone, ThunderBug made more than 370 community appearances. He went SCUBA diving at The Florida Aquarium, cut the ribbon at ThunderBug’s Emporium inside Benchmark International Arena, and promoted the Stanley Cup Playoffs from a helicopter flying high above Tampa Bay.
So, like it or not, some mascots are special. They become recognizable personalities and an important part of their communities.
ThunderBug may also be the one Bolt who is always allowed to have fun and spread positive energy. Nobody is going to criticize him for missing the net or picking another fight.
And considering the recent controversy surrounding a USF football game and appearances by politicians, ThunderBug is always a safe option. If you need a guest for your next event, invite him.
After all, Tampa Bay’s newest award winner already knows how to make an entrance.
