ThunderBug was voted the 2026 NHL Mascot of the Year, giving the Tampa Bay Lightning mascot the first award of its kind in the mascot’s 33-year history. The NHL announced the honor Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026.
The award recognizes excellence in innovation, community impact, social media, business growth, in-game involvement and overall performance. ThunderBug debuted in 1992 and serves as an ambassador for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Tampa Bay community.
ThunderBug’s community appearances
During the 2025-26 season, ThunderBug made more than 370 community appearances. Those activities included a SCUBA diving appearance at The Florida Aquarium and the ribbon-cutting for ThunderBug’s Emporium inside Benchmark International Arena.
ThunderBug also promoted the Stanley Cup Playoffs from a helicopter above Tampa Bay. The appearances reflected the range of areas considered for the NHL Mascot of the Year Award, including community impact, business growth and overall performance.
A first NHL honor for ThunderBug
ThunderBug’s 2026 selection marked the first NHL Mascot of the Year Award in the mascot’s history. The honor recognizes ThunderBug’s work with the Tampa Bay Lightning, during games and throughout the Tampa Bay community.
FSB Take
ThunderBug’s first NHL Mascot of the Year Award recognizes a 2025-26 season that included more than 370 community appearances. The Florida Aquarium, Benchmark International Arena and a helicopter above Tampa Bay were among the settings featured in ThunderBug’s community and promotional work.
Source: Original report