TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — For many lightning fans, like the Flesches, tonight will be their first chance to see their home team in action as the Tampa Bay Lightning hit the ice for their home opener at Amalie Arena.

“We didn’t have TV, we didn’t have power,” said Frederick Flesche.

After two hurricanes and two canceled games, an updated hockey schedule is out.

For a team whose eyes are normally on the Stanley Cup from the start, the Lightning’s focus for the next few home games will be helping the communities of Tampa Bay who just lost everything or are working hard to help recover.

“The reason we’re a part of this community is because of the community and the support we get from everybody,” said Lightning Coach Jon Cooper. “So for us to give back, it’s what we don’t have to do it’s what we should do.”

Before the home opener and Thursday night’s home game, there will be a food and supply drive collecting items the ones below:

  • Non-perishable foods (canned items, juice, peanut butter)
  • Hygiene products (toothbrushes, toothpaste)
  • Diapers and baby formula
  • Cleaning supplies (trash bags, detergent)
  • Wrapped plastic utensils

They begin at 5 p.m. in Thunder Alley.

Many people are devastated but the Lightning hopes they can be a light in a dark time for many.

“I know that a lot of distress and stuff has come from this and not being able to be in your own home so I just think it’s great that they’re able to do what they can and we support them,” said Madeline Deneen, another Lightning fan.

Deenan is hoping she can score some tickets if her dad pulls through.

She might have some luck with cheaper tickets than normal that could be found for as low as $25 before taxes and fees on Tuesday morning. The Lightning partnered with Ticketmaster to cut the cost of tickets for the first three home games.

The Flesches are also appreciative that hundreds of first responders and recovery teams are receiving free tickets to the next few bolt games including tonight’s.

“We take it for granted, we turn on the lights and the lights come on but how did they get there?” said Frederick Flesche.

Both the Fleches, who were at Amalie Arena early this morning decked out in Lightning gear to get a tour of the stadium, explained to us how they are proud to be fans of such a selfless team in such a dire time.

“We’re really big Lightning fans and we’ll always be Lightning fans,” said Margaret Flesche.

The puck drop is at 7 p.m. against the Vancouver Canucks.

Tonight, the hope is to show the community we are all in this together and will work together to get through the devastation.