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2-year deal announced for Tocchet

Team leadership will answer fans' questions tonight

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON

eerlendsson@tampatrib.com

Published: May 11, 2009

Updated: 05/11/2009 04:40 pm

TAMPA - Lightning fans have the opportunity tonight to voice their opinions and concerns straight to the team's decision-makers.

Tampa Bay co-owner Oren Koules, general manager Brian Lawton and coach Rick Tocchet will be available to answer questions during a town hall assembly at the St. Pete Times Forum beginning at 7.

During a press conference this afternoon, the team announced Tocchet has been signed to a new two-year contract, officially removing the interim tag from his title.

Tocchet took over on an interim basis when Barry Melrose was fired on Nov. 14 and Lawton repeatedly said he was pleased with the job Tocchet and his staff did, despite finishing with the second-worst record in the NHL.

Tocchet also quickly earned the respect of the locker room and earned praise for working with rookie Steven Stamkos over the second half of the season.

The town hall is open to the public with a special reserved area for season-ticket holders. All fans must check in at the club level entrance, while free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the VIP East and West lots. The doors will open at 6 with a used-equipment sale on the Forum floor followed by a question-and-answer session.

Injured defenseman Andrej Meszaros is scheduled to sign autographs from 6 to 7, while defenseman Paul Ranger and Tocchet will sign from 8 to 9. Free snacks and popcorn along with water and soda will be served, while hot dogs and beer are available for $1.

This is the second open forum the Lighting leadership has hosted. Koules and Lawton also participated in a session with fans in July that also included co-owner Len Barrie and former coach Melrose.

Reporter Erik Erlendsson can be reached at (813) 259-7835.

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