Sports
Lightning Send Matt Tomkins Back to AHL, Strengthening Syracuse Crunch’s Roster
TAMPA BAY, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Lightning have officially reassigned goaltender Matt Tomkins to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, as announced today by vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois.
The move comes as the Lightning continue to manage their goaltender rotation, with Tomkins bringing valuable experience back to the Crunch.
Tomkins, 30, has appeared in 17 games for the Crunch this season, recording a 6-8-3 record with a .900 save percentage, a 2.87 goals-against average, and one shutout. His contributions in net have been vital to the Crunch’s performance in the AHL, offering stability and depth at the goaltender position.
AHL and NHL Experience
Tomkins has built a solid career in the AHL, playing in 82 career games between the Syracuse Crunch and the Rockford IceHogs. Across those appearances, he has registered a 32-40-9 record, a .899 save percentage, a 2.96 goals-against average, and two shutouts.
He also saw NHL action with the Lightning during the 2023-24 season, appearing in six games and earning a 3-2-1 record with an .892 save percentage and a 3.33 goals-against average. Tomkins made history by securing his first career NHL win on November 7, 2023, with a stellar 23-save performance against the Montreal Canadiens.
Tomkins’ Journey to Tampa Bay
Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Tomkins was drafted in the seventh round (199th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2012 NHL Draft. After developing his career in the AHL and internationally, he was signed by the Lightning as a free agent on May 10, 2023.
With his reassignment, Tomkins will return to a leadership role in Syracuse, helping solidify the Crunch’s goaltending unit as they push forward in their AHL season.
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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Shooting struggles and a costly third quarter leave Orlando winless through two games under first-year coach Sean Sweeney
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — A new coaching era has opened with consecutive losses for the Orlando Magic, who fell 115-93 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Kia Center.
Orlando dropped to 0-2 under first-year head coach Sean Sweeney as shooting struggles again slowed its offense. The Magic also struggled with turnovers and missed free throws, repeating problems from their season-opening loss to Atlanta. Yahoo Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards handles the ball as Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero contests the play at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.
Third-quarter struggles prove costly
Minnesota led 57-45 at halftime before taking control in the third quarter. The Timberwolves closed the period with a 17-3 run, building an 86-60 advantage heading into the fourth. Orlando could not recover from the 26-point deficit. reuters.com
Carter leads Orlando
Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner scored 18 points before fouling out, while Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs added 14 apiece.
Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels each scored 15 points for Minnesota, which improved to 2-0. Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Reuters
Perimeter shooting remains a concern
Orlando made just eight of its 39 attempts from 3-point range, shooting 20.5%. Minnesota connected on 37.8% of its attempts from beyond the arc. reuters.com
Two games offer a limited measure of Sweeney’s tenure, but the early results identify an immediate challenge: improving offensive execution and preventing difficult stretches from becoming decisive runs.
Central Florida News
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Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign
Orlando Magic, ThreatLocker Add Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Courtside Branding
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic and Orlando-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker have expanded their partnership to include player warmup branding, courtside signage and a cybersecurity awareness campaign, the team announced Oct. 21.
ThreatLocker’s branding will appear on the Magic’s player warmup shirts for all home and away games, as well as front-row courtside seatback covers at Kia Center.
Campaign to Share Online Safety Tips
Timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the awareness campaign includes an opening-night commercial featuring ThreatLocker CEO and co-founder Danny Jenkins.
The spot will offer tips to help fans and Orlando-area residents protect themselves online, according to the announcement.
“As a Magic Champion of the Community partner since 2023, ThreatLocker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “We’re excited to help raise cybersecurity awareness and continue growing their brand and our collective community impact.”
Branding Extends Across Games and Broadcasts
The agreement also includes a season-long commercial campaign and a custom-branded broadcast feature. ThreatLocker will receive exposure through MagicTV 27 in Central Florida and the team’s regional over-the-air broadcast network.
Warmup shirt branding will give the company visibility during pregame activities, player-focused content and game broadcasts, according to the announcement.
“We’re delighted that this partnership will help fans stay safe online,” Jenkins said. “And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to share a few simple steps everyone can take to better protect themselves and their families.”
