LIGHTNING
WARRIORS
HOCKEY
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President
Rob Friedman
​Has served as a legal officer (JAG) in the Air Force for close to 10 years. Currently an active drilling reservist, serving as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for a global airlift unit in the Southeast, holding the rank of Major. In civilian capacity serves as Corporate Counsel for a regional public utility company. Has many years of experience on non-profit boards both in the military and in faith communities. Played ice hockey since his youth in the St. Louis, MO area. Rob is greatly inspired by the public service commitment the Warriors make to our surrounding community by our volunteer efforts throughout the year.
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Warrior Member
Jeff Brunelle
Jeff is a Tampa native with a passion for service, education, and sustainability. Joined the U.S. Marines after high school and later transitioned to the Army, until medical retirement in 2012. Determined to continue making a difference, used vocational rehab benefits to earn a bachelor’s degree in Sustainability Management, which further fueled his commitment to environmental stewardship. Jeff works as a water quality technician at Metro Lagoons, maintaining and improving aquatic environments. Committed to lifelong learning, recently earned a Master’s in Coastal and Marine Management and is now pursuing a second Master’s in Sustainability. Has been a proud member of the Lightning Warriors since 2021, embracing teamwork and community engagement as core values in life.

Raymond James
Tyler Platanella
Grew up in Mays Landing, NJ and at 17 enlisted into the United States Army as a Forward Observer. Tyler served for 4 years in the 10th Mountain Division including a combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2016 achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was Honorably Discharged in 2018 so that he could pursue a college degree. He graduated from the University of Tampa in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. After graduation, Tyler was hired by Raymond James as a Marketing Coordinator and then eventually moved into an Account Manager role on the transitions team. In his spare time Tyler enjoys golfing, working out, sports and spending time with his family.

Warrior Member
Todd McEvoy
Todd is a retired member of the U.S. Army where he served honorably. He has been a proud member of the Lightning Warriors for quite awhile and is excited for the opportunity to serve on the board of directors.

Tampa Bay Lightning
Aaron Humphrey
A Florida native, Aaron has been involved in hockey in the Tampa Community for 14 years. Having attended the University of South Florida and played on the Club Hockey Team for 5 years, he then went on to coach USF for 6 years. Since graduating from USF, Aaron has been helping grow the game of hockey in Tampa Bay as the Community & Hockey Development Manager for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Board Of Directors
The Lightning Warriors Board is made up of senior veteran leaders as well as civilian advisors.