The Augusta Lynx have started a new affiliation with the Tampa Bay Lightning. They're looking to provide a little more thunder for Augusta sports fans with an aggressive attack the puck mentality.

They've assured NBC Augusta they will be talking with some current Lynx stars like all-time leading scorer Louie Goulet.

----Lynx Press Release-----

Lynx Ink Affiliation Agreement with Lightning
Clubs to begin partnership in 2008-09 season

AUGUSTA, Ga.−The Augusta Lynx have reached an affiliation agreement with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League and the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League, Lynx General Manager Dan Troutman and Tampa Bay Lightning general manager of the Admirals of the AHL Mike Butters announced today.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the Lightning organization, and we look forward to working together in order to win championships. With the aggressive moves their new ownership have pursued since purchasing the team, we feel Tampa Bay’s commitment and passion to winning is a great asset to our club,” Troutman said. “Our goal as a club is to bring the Kelly Cup to Augusta, and an affiliation with an organization with as much success as the Lightning have had brings us closer to that goal. We look forward to helping young players refine their skills on their road to the NHL.”

Per terms of the one-year agreement, for the 2008-09 season the Lynx will receive players designated for assignment from Tampa Bay and Norfolk.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome the Augusta Lynx to the Lightning organization,” Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President of Hockey Operations Brian Lawton said. “The Lynx and their management team are committed to success and it shows by them making the playoffs in six of their 10 seasons in operation. We feel that due to the organization’s desire to win, and because of its proximity to Tampa and our AHL affiliate in Norfolk, there really is not a better option for us in the ECHL. We look forward to our prospects playing an important role in bringing the Kelly Cup to Augusta.”

The Lightning began play in the NHL during the 1992-93 season, and have achieved numerous milestones, including winning the franchise’s first Stanley Cup during the 2003-04 season.

The Augusta Lynx will begin their 11th season of play this October. Season tickets, group tickets, small business packages and fundraisers are all available by calling 706.724.4423 or by logging on to augustalynx.com.