Lightning Forward Trading Autographs For Toys

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay Lightning fans who would like to meet forward Valtteri Filppula in person will get their chance Wednesday. They can even get an autograph or photo taken with the hockey star for their troubles.

There’s a catch though: Filppula intends to trade his autograph or pose for photos in exchange for toys. Those toys will benefit Metropolitan Ministries’ annual drive.

The Lightning announced Filppula’s tit-for-tat proposition for the cause on Tuesday, saying the nonprofit organization’s drive “has an urgent need” for donations of new, unwrapped toys.

Folks who want to take advantage of the trade can do so by showing up Wednesday at Tampa Bay Sports in the Amalie Arena complex. The 401 Channelside Drive store is located right off Ford Thunder Alley’s main staircase.

Filppula plans to stick around to sign autographs and mug for cameras between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. during the Dec. 21 event.

“Each fan that brings a toy will receive their choice of an autograph or a photo, maximum one per person,” the Lightning said in an email to media. Autographs or photos are guaranteed to the first 200 people with new, unwrapped toys in their hands.

Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning