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Prospective Ownership Group Adds Some Local Flavor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 23, 2007

TAMPA - The still-forming group of Absolute Hockey Enterprises added some local money to its cause in hopes of purchasing the Lightning.

Local attorney Steve Burton, the managing partner of Broad and Cassel's Tampa office, became the fifth publicly known partner of the Absolute group that also includes Hollywood producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg, former NHL executive Doug MacLean and Ft. Lauderdale real estate developer Jeff Sherrin.

It was through Sherrin's business relationship with Broad and Cassel that Burton became a partner in the group.

'From the first day of the press conference when we announced the sale, it jumped out at us the desire to have some local flavor,' MacLean said. 'And if we add future investors, whether it's before the sale is finalized or after, it will be local.'

The group likely couldn't have found anybody more local. Burton grew up in Tampa and said he 'will die in Tampa.' Since graduating with a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida in 1984 and a law degree from Stetson in 1988, Burton has been practicing law in Tampa.

'I am a big fan of the Lightning, and it's a thrill to be part of this,' Burton said. 'I'm willing to do whatever it is the team needs. If they call and say that ThunderBug is sick and they need somebody, I'll do it.'

FIRST CUTS: Tampa Bay general manager Jay Feaster announced the first round of cuts after Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Capitals.

LW Karl Stewart, D Dan Jancevski, D David Schneider, D Jay Leach, C Blair Jones and RW Norman Milley were reassigned to Norfolk.

That leaves 27 players left on the camp roster - three goaltenders, nine defensemen and 15 forwards.

INJURY UPDATES: C Vincent Lecavalier left the game early in the second period with an upper body injury. He was held out of the remainder of the game as a precaution. He does not expect to miss any playing time. ... C Chris Gratton (cornea abrasion, right eye) said he was still experiencing some blurred vision, and he is day-to-day. ... C Ryan Craig (back spasms) and RW Michel Ouellet (hamstring) were not in Saturday's lineup and also are day-to-day.

SUPER BROTHER: One of Lightning LW Mathieu Darche's greatest moments in sports had nothing to do with hockey.

During the 2005-06 season Darche was playing in Germany. His older brother, J.P. Darche, was back in North America enjoying a successful season as a long snapper with the Seattle Seahawks. As Seattle marched through the postseason, Darche followed closely from overseas as the Seahawks earned a spot in Super Bowl XL against Pittsburgh.

With hockey on break for the 2006 Olympics, Darche had the opportunity to fly back for the game.

'At first I wasn't going to go, but my wife asked how often would I get the chance to watch the Super Bowl in person with my brother playing,' he said. 'So she stayed back in Germany with the kids while I went to the Super Bowl. It was a crazy couple of days.'

NUTS AND BOLTS: The players will have their first day off from camp today. The team returns Monday with a morning skate at the St. Pete Times Forum before the final home preseason game against Detroit. Practice on Tuesday and Wednesday will be at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon, the final two training camp workouts to be held there.

Cristina Ledra, Erik Erlendsson

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