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Area Can Say It Has Seen Stamkos

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By ANWAR. S. RICHARDSON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 27, 2008

TAMPA - After several weeks of viewing www.seenstamkos.com billboards and T-shirts around town, residents of Tampa Bay can finally say "yes."

Stamkos, the Lightning's No. 1 overall pick in this month's NHL draft, was introduced to the local media and season ticket-holders during an array of appearances Thursday. The Lightning have not received this much attention in an offseason since former Bolts owner Art Williams dubbed Vinny Lecavalier "the Michael Jordan of hockey."

Before someone tried to sell the 18-year-old Stamkos swampland in Florida or, worse, convince him to buy a condo in Tampa's Trump Towers, he spoke about becoming the Bay area's latest hockey player.

TAMPA TRIBUNE: Have you purchased any sunscreen yet?

STAMKOS: No, not yet. I'll probably get on that soon because you definitely don't want to burn down here. I want to get a nice tan, so I'll probably go out there and purchase some of that pretty soon.

TT: SPF what?

STAMKOS: Maybe 30 or 15. I want to get a little tan, so you can't go for the hard stuff.

TT: Have you ever been on spring break in Florida?

STAMKOS: No. I've seen them on TV and they look great. I definitely want to try it out one year.

TT: What will you look forward to on your first spring break in Florida?

STAMKOS: Probably just hit the beach and the sand. The parties. It sounds pretty fun and it looks pretty fun.

TT: Have you asked the new owner Oren Koules if you can be in any "Saw" movies?

STAMKOS: You know what? I offered to do it. I asked if they could put a little something in the contract. I told them I wouldn't mind chopping someone's head off or getting my head chopped off. Hopefully they can work me in there. That would be pretty fun.

TT: If Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis and you were locked in a basement, like in "Saw," who would get out first?

STAMKOS: Probably Marty just because he could probably crawl through a little vent. He's pretty shifty out there on the ice. He goes in a corner with four guys and he comes out with a puck. I think he would get out first.

TT: What if there was one minute before you guys died and the key was hidden in Vinny's stomach? Would you cut him open to get it out?

STAMKOS: No, I don't touch Vinny. He's a pretty tough guy. He'd probably give me a big shiner. I got to respect him. He's one of the best players in the league. I'd probably let him fish it out himself.

TT: Will you take Dan Boyle's advice on how to hang a skate in your locker?

STAMKOS: I guess not. I heard about that moment where the skate fell and slashed his wrist. That was a little unfortunate, but I probably won't take his advice on that one.

TT: If you have to wash Chris Gratton's underwear and socks as part of your rookie hazing, will you do it?

STAMKOS: I'm OK with it. That's just part of the game. I don't mind doing that. I heard there is a pretty hefty layout when the rookies have to buy dinner. I will have to fork out a lot of change, but I'm looking forward to it.

TT: Are you disappointed Barry Melrose no longer has a mullet?

STAMKOS: A little bit. That was pretty cool. I remember watching the highlight films of when he coached in L.A. against the Leafs and he was sporting the "cool-do," but I guess times have changed.

TT: If the York region decided to honor you, would you rather have a ride with Santa in the Markham Santa Claus parade or VIP treatment at the Markham fair?

STAMKOS: Probably VIP treatment. I can get on the rides first and go right up to the front of the line. Santa is a pretty cool guy, but the rides would be better.

TT: Have you smoked an Ybor City cigar yet?

STAMKOS: No. I have yet to do so, but maybe we'll get one and have a good celebration.

TT: Which other professional team would you like to see first - Bucs or Rays?

STAMKOS: Probably the Bucs. Well, I love baseball. I love watching baseball. The Bucs play in a pretty cool place and Tampa is hosting the Super Bowl next year. I'll probably try to make it to one of their games.

TT: Has anyone told you how important it is for you to own a pirate suit in Tampa?

STAMKOS: No, I've yet to hear anything about a pirate suit. Why?

TT: We have parades and people dress up like pirates and throw beads.

STAMKOS: It's kind of like Mardi Gras?

TT: Exactly.

STAMKOS: OK, then I need to go and get one right now.

TT: How important is it for you to win a Stanley Cup championship with the Lightning?

STAMKOS: It's the top priority. That is always the goal, which is to win a Stanley Cup. I'm one step closer by getting drafted. Hopefully it happens next year. That's the main goal right now.

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425 or arichardson@tampatrib.com.

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