Since debuting in 1992, ThunderBug has become a beloved ambassador for the Lightning and hockey fans across Tampa Bay.
TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Lightning’s very own ThunderBug won the 2026 NHL Mascot of the Year award.
According to the league, the award recognizes excellence across innovation, community impact, social media, business growth, in-game involvement and overall performance.
Since debuting in 1992, ThunderBug has become a beloved ambassador for the Lightning and hockey fans across Tampa Bay. This season, the NHL said he made more than 370 community appearances, went SCUBA diving at The Florida Aquarium and even promoted the Stanley Cup Playoffs from a helicopter.
In years prior, ThunderBug — also sometimes referred to as the “Mayor of Champa Bay” — has made appearances at local hospitals to celebrate game wins with healthcare workers and patients. He even handed out free Dunkin’ coffee to celebrate the first playoff game in 2025.
He has amassed more than 37,000 followers on Instagram and 15,000 followers on Facebook. In response to receiving the award Tuesday, ThunderBug had only one thing to say: “PARTY TIME!!!”