Sonya performing the national anthem before the start of Game Two of the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 6, 2015.

One of my favorite parts of working Tampa Bay Lightning games is hearing Sonya Bryson perform the Star Spangled Banner. The Bolts are lucky to have her. All Lightning fans know of her incredible talent. Most know her military background. But not all realize she battles Multiple Sclerosis. When you see her belt out the national anthem, she’s invincible. Yet the daily struggle must be incredible for her. I was sad to read this morning she was in the emergency room yesterday. She says her back went out on her, “like all the way out.” She says she was in excruciating pain and was in the ER for 7 hours. As always though, she mustered a smile for social media today as she recuperates.

The Lightning return home to Amalie Arena after a long break February 4 and we’ll be cheering even louder for you Sonya! Visit Sal’s Soldiers if you’d like to brighten her day today! It’s a local Tampa Bay organization Sonya endorses that raises money to bring awareness and fight MS.

Sonya Bryson-Kirksey???????? on Twitter My back went out yesterday afternoon...like all the way out (immobile/excruciating pain) Spent 7hrs in the ER ending w/a couple of shots of happy juice. Will be on the mend for a couple of days. Asking for your prayers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning had a strong finish to the first half of the season… here are some highlights from their NHL All Star appearance this week in St. Louis:

























