After bolting Tampa, Coleman to receive Stanley Cup ring

The ring is an incredible work of art. With meaningful elements of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s second straight championship run etched inside of the diamond-covered keepsake, its monetary value is mind-boggling. But its also priceless. Calgary Flames winger Blake Coleman has seen the videos of fellow former teammates receiving their reward upon their return to the scene of the celebration.

On Thursday morning, it’s his turn.

Coleman will be presented the 2021 Stanley Cup championship ring on Thursday morning, like former linemates Yanni Gourde and Barclay Goodrow before him. All three have new homes now. Coleman and Goodrow signed big free-agent deals with the Flames and New York Rangers, respectively. Gourde was taken by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft.

“It’s special. I was thinking while I was walking down the tunnel, I was kind of flashing back to the last time I was on that ice. I think it was 3 a.m. with a few bottles of champagne in me and my whole family out there on the ice. Running around with my daughters out there,” Coleman said via Zoom after skating in the rink he hoisted the Cup last season.

“Nice to be skating around and looking up and seeing the new banner out there.”

Lightning recording special behind-the-scenes footage of ring reunions

Expecting to be emotional when he finally lays hands on the knuckle hardware, Coleman acknowledged following along as the other members of arguably the greatest third line ever assembled for the NHL playoffs had their reunions recorded by their former team.

“I’m excited. First and foremost, it will be good to see those guys. Winning is certainly a bond that keeps you bonded for life. Every time you see each other you re-live that together,” said Coleman, who was one of the Calgary Flames’ best players in a 6-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.

“The ring is one of the coolest things about winning in all of championship sports. You get that championship ring. It’s going to be equally special tomorrow and just have it and hold it and feel it and get to see it.”

His wife and one of his two daughters will also be there, making the trip for another memorable moment in Tampa.

Coleman spent 17 months winning two titles and starting a young family. Wife Jordan and daughters Charlie and Carson will catch up with their Bolts family. Then, as Coleman says, “we become enemies again.”