Bolts Promote Downie, Ramo, and Helenius

In a series of back-to-back promotions with the Lightning system, Tampa Bay Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Lawton announced on Monday that the Bolts have recalled prospect forward Steve Downie from the Norfolk Admirals. In addition, the Lightning announced that they also recalled prospect goaltender Karri Ramo from the Admirals to Tampa on an emergency basis.

Downie's recall was expected, with the Lightning indicating last week that he would be recalled after the NHL All-Star break -- a move that would prevent him from participating in the AHL All-Star game Monday night. However, Ramo's emergency recall was a bit of a surprise, as the St. Pete Times reported on Monday that Tampa veteran netminder Olaf Kolzig suffered a setback during the All-Star break with respect to his injured left arm, and was placed back on IR.

With Ramo recalled to Tampa, the Lightning announced on Tuesday that prospect goaltender Riku Helenius has been reassigned from Mississippi (ECHL) to Norfolk to back up Admirals goalie Mike McKenna. Helenius was assigned to the Gulf Coast last Friday, backing up Sea Wolves and former Bolt prospect goaltender Ryan Munce in two weekend games but seeing no game action.