TAMPA, Fla. — Every week of the regular hockey season, Tampa Bay 28 spotlights a Lightning fan who is doing the most to show up for the team.
Tampa Bay 28 Anchor Lauren St Germain has met so many diehard fans all around the Tampa Bay area and Gail Schultz is no exception. Her dedication is unmatched and the good luck charm she has for the team definitely caught St Germain’s eye.
WATCH: From running laps through Thunder Alley to a good luck charm: Lightning superfan is devoted to traditions
St. Germain first met Schultz before a playoff game last season, when fans were waiting to see the players leave morning skate.
"Go Bolts!" said Schultz. "They are going to kick some Panthers' butts."
"I would say I’m a Lightning fanatic," said Schultz.
"I remember distinctly seeing your Dobby," said St. Germain.
"Explain to me the story behind Dobby," continued St. Germain.
"So, when the Lightning were in the playoffs in 2020, I decided that they needed a good luck charm. And Dobby became their good luck charm. He’s their little elf and he brings them good luck for the playoffs. And I started bringing him to all the playoff games," said Schultz.
"Why Dobby? Why did you pick that?" asked St. Germain.
"Our kids growing up, they always loved Harry Potter. And so it just became a part of, you know, Harry, Harry Potter and the Lightning kind of – you know – melded. I guess," said Schultz.
She even has a miniature one to bring into the arena.
"They were in the bubble. They had the clear lightning bolt and Dobby wasn’t going to fit in there. And so I just took a picture with him and went into the bolt," said Schultz.
"So he really is good luck because they won that!" said St. Germain.
Schultz and her husband have another tradition – blending their morning runs and the Lightning.
"But when there’s a game day, I’ll bring my flag. Part of my lap is around the arena with my flag," said Schultz.
"Has your whole family embraced the love for the Lightning as well?" asked St. Germain.
"I would say, no. My husband is a big Red Wings fan. He grew up in Michigan and a couple of our girls are Boston fans because we lived in Boston for 20 years, so they still like that," said Schultz.
Schultz tells me her whole family is from Northern Ontario, and she used to be a Montreal fan. When they moved to Florida years ago, after she went to a couple of games, lightning struck, and the team's energy hooked her for life.
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Our health and our home are two things that impact our lives the most. And Tampa Bay 28 Anchor Lauren St. Germain is focused on both. From highlighting the latest medical breakthroughs to helping you navigate the housing market; Lauren wants to hear for you. Use the form below to send her a note.
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