By Sarah Hoye
Tampa Tribune
TAMPA — Members of the Tampa Police Department shared a locker room, suited up with players from the Tampa Bay Lighting and then hit the ice Saturday for a charity scrimmage at the St. Pete Times Forum.
The game, part of the Bolts’ annual Fan Fest, was to benefit the Cpl. Mike Roberts Memorial Fund.
Roberts, 38, a Tampa police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty Aug. 19, played goaltender for the police hockey team.
Police team members played current Lightning players Marty St. Louis, Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman, as well as former players Brian Bradley, Chris Dingman, Stan Neckar and Dave Andreychuk.
“I think it’s [the game] very fitting,” Andreychuk said. “The emotions are pretty high in here ? He’s here with us right now and I’m excited to be here.”
Inside the locker room, Roberts’ widow, Cindy Roberts, scooped up 3-year-old son Adam and carried him around to meet the players while they laced their skates.
The players all wore the No. 12 on their jerseys in honor of Roberts.
Roberts, who was promoted to corporal on July 12, had received 33 commendations and awards for his service.
He was the 27th Tampa police officer killed in the line of duty.
The generosity shown by the Bolts was overwhelming, said police Detective Mike Hutner, a hockey teammate and friend of Roberts.
“It’s incredible, this would mean the world to him,” said Hutner, who put on his pads next to Andreychuk.
“It’s definitely sad, and we miss him,” he said. “But it’s more about what this team did for his family.”
Bolts’ fan Cookie Gross held a homemade sign up to the rink glass and clapped loudly for every player called to the ice.
The Florida native went to her first hockey game in 2001, fell in love with the sport and became a season-ticket holder in 2003.
The Roberts benefit game was a tribute she wanted to be a part of, Gross said.
“He is a part of the community and the Lightning wanted to give back. This just warms my heart,” she said. “He paid the ultimate price for his service.”
The jerseys worn by the players were autographed and auctioned off for the memorial fund.
Fans could also make cash donations at several donation bowls around the arena.
In addition to the charity game, the event also featured youth hockey clinics, autograph sessions and public skating.
Donations can be made to the Tampa Police Memorial Fund by sending checks to 411 N. Franklin St., Tampa FL 33602. In the check’s memo section, write: Cpl. Mike Roberts Memorial Fund.
Copyright 2009 The Tribune Co.