Brett Connolly makes the Lightning final roster

[UltimateHockeyFan]

By: Peter Pupello

Brett Connolly said he always knew what he was capable of doing. He just needed the chance to prove it.

That chance came approximately two weeks ago when the 19-year-old Bolts prospect, selected with the sixth overall selection at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, arrived at the team’s training camp in Brandon with something to prove.

Mission accomplished. He took advantage of the opportunity and earned a spot on the opening night roster.

“It’s definitely exciting,” Connolly said. “The whole experience here has been good for me. I was fortunate enough to come down to Tampa at the beginning of the summer and play as well as I did. I gave myself a chance to show what I can do, so today is definitely something I’ll never forget.”

[UltimateHockeyFan]

I'm glad to see Connolly get the chance. What kind of shocked me is that Dana Tyrell was sent to Norfolk, which doesn't make much sense. But the good news is that the 2011-12 Artifacts Rookie Redemption of the Lightning should be Connolly, which im looking forward to!

[RGM81]

Good to hear that he made the team. Rookie class is starting to fill out nicely.

[Lamplitersniper]

Dana Tyrell was sent to Norfolk ONLY because he is still waiver exempt. He will be back to the big club before the end of the season Im sure of it. Connolly IMO will get 9 games in, and unless he is putting up very good numbers (READ: At least 4 or 5 points in those 9 games), he will be sent back to PG for one more year.

That leaves Tyrell to come back along with Pyatt/Ritola/Jones all still on the bubble throughout the season. The Lightning just didnt want to risk losing any of them just yet on waivers.

[stop__dreaming]

Wow, quite surprised to hear about this.

Would have thought Carter Ashton was above Connolly in getting a roster spot.

Nevertheless, good luck to him.