Headshot of Stephen Buck on the rink where the Tampa Bay Lightning play. Photo courtesy of Hannah Walls.
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By Emily McLaughlin
TAMPA, Fla. — Stephen Buck, the Communications Coordinator for the Tampa Bay Lightning, didn’t always know he would end up working in the NHL. In fact, when Buck was a freshman at the University of Tampa back in 2018, he was not even sure what he wanted to study.
After taking a few classes, Buck picked communications. Within a communications major, Buck explained that there is either the advertising route or the public relations (PR) route that students can choose from.
Like many college freshmen, Buck quickly realized that what he thought he wanted was not exactly the right fit for him. After taking a few classes in advertising, Buck discovered advertising leaned heavily into a creative set of courses. But PR offered a more strategic and communications-focused path, something that aligned better with what he was interested in.
“I think originally, my thought process was that advertising was similar to marketing,” said Buck. “So I guess that’s kind of the funny part that I, just being a freshman or whatever, didn’t really know.”
That pivot would ultimately shape his career path.
Originally from New Jersey, Buck grew up with a love for hockey. It was not just a hobby; it was a defining part of his life. So when it came time to choose the right college for him, he knew he needed to be in a place where hockey could be played.
Buck had a friend in high school who was a senior when he was a freshman. That friend ultimately guided Buck’s decision to go to UTampa.
Since Buck’s friend was a senior and would take him to hockey practice, his friend insisted that Buck come down to UTampa to check out the school and what it has to offer.
“So I came down, visited. I loved the city,” said Buck. “I thought it was beautiful, and I was sold as soon as I got here.”
At UTampa, Buck tried out for the club hockey team and made the roster. Balancing academics and athletics, Buck began carving out his professional interests and what he could achieve.
Buck had an early introduction to communications work at the start of his undergrad at UTampa. After declaring a concentration in PR, Buck took on a student role working with UTampa’s hockey team.
What started as a small position quickly grew into a hands-on learning experience for Buck.
“I had my hands in social media and game presentations,” said Buck. “A bunch of different aspects of what goes on to put on a college hockey game.”
This role allowed Buck to explore multiple areas of communication. But most importantly, it taught him how different pieces of a sports organization fit together.
During his senior year at UTampa, he took a significant step by becoming the game-night helper for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He would go to every home game, helping out in whatever way they needed him to, and getting a feel for being a part of a professional sports operation.
“That’s kind of really when I knew this is what I want to do,” said Buck.
After graduating, Buck applied for the graduate assistant position with the Lightning. With his familiarity with the team’s operations, he knew how everything worked.
“I worked my tail off for that year,” said Buck.
It’s safe to say Buck’s efforts paid off. The position, which at first was a part-time role for a year, was offered to him as full-time, officially marking Buck’s launch as the Communications Coordinator at the Lightning.
Buck’s most memorable moment was getting the call that he had landed the graduate assistant role and traveling with the team for the first time.
“I remember getting that call and being like, Oh my God, yes, like, I’m gonna work in the NHL,” said Buck.
From an undecided freshman to a PR professional, Buck’s journey is a testament to persistence and opportunities at UTampa that can turn into real-world success. What began as a love for hockey and a leap of faith in choosing UTampa ultimately led Buck to the job he once dreamed of.