Lightning’s Victor Hedman lends helping hand to Helene first responders

TAMPA — Tampa Mayor Jane Castor walked into the Tampa Police Department headquarters Tuesday afternoon and gave Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman a big hug.

“Good to see you, captain,” Castor said.

Hedman may have been named the Lightning’s new captain just last month, but his impact in Tampa Bay is nothing new — both on the ice as he enters his 16th NHL season, as well as in his adopted community.

“Victor’s always been a leader,” Castor said.