The Tampa Bay Lightning are dedicated to providing additional development and exposure opportunities for our student athletes. Beginning in the 2018-2019 season, the Tampa Bay Lightning launched the Elite Development Program (EDP). This program is dedicated to the further advancement of the top players within the LHSHL, at the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade levels through the creation of a Freshman/Sophomore, and Junior/Senior elite teams. 

Under the leadership of the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hockey Department, Lightning Made Hockey, and our Tampa Bay Lightning Alumni serving as head coaches, LHSHL EDP teams will compete in nationwide tournaments throughout the season. Players will be given the opportunity to not only face top competition in their age group, but also display their skills and talents for teams and organizations at the junior and college hockey level, potentially paving the way for LHSHL student athletes to the next level in their hockey career.

• On and off-ice training provided, beginning with the EDP Tryout Camp at the end of September! 

• Freshman/Sophomore team, & Junior/Senior team! 
• Only players on ACTIVE LHSHL rosters are eligible to participate in EDP

• Tournaments selected to give LHSHL players access and exposure to coaches and scouts at the next level!

• Members of our Lightning Alumni have been selected to serve as head coaches for each of our EDP teams! 

• Each of the EDP teams will attend their own set of 5 out of state tournaments!

• Each EDP team will face local high caliber opponents, including local college teams, to enhance their skills and experience!

• To allow some flexibility for players and parents, each player is guaranteed to attend 3 of the 5 tournaments!
• Each EDP roster will hold 30 players, while only 20 will be sent to each tournament

• Cost associated with each EDP team includes:
  • Practice time
  • Uniform
  • Tournament fees
  • Player hotel accommodations at each tournament
  • Player transportation at each tournament to and from games, team hotel and the airport
  • Airfare/travel accomodations to each tournament NOT included

The LHSHL EDP is open to any player currently enrolled within the Lightning High School Hockey League, and on an active LHSHL roster! Players interested in the EDP must first register with the LHSHL for the upcoming season, and must also register for and attend the LHSHL Tryout Camp. 

EDP Tryout Camp will take place mid-September 2019, specific dates TBA. Interested players must attend camp for consideration

*Registering for EDP Tryout Camp does not guarantee a space within an EDP roster.