Denver Mayor Accepts Mayor Jane Castor's Wager On Winners Of Cup

TAMPA, FL — After the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-4 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final Wednesday night, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock confidently accepted Tampa Mayor Jane Castor's friendly wager on the outcome of the NHL's final battle to name a 2022 champion.

"Let's go," Hancock said of Castor's challenge. "I’m putting up some of our world-renowned local craft brews and some Colorado steaks."

On Wednesday, Castor bet Hancock a dinner of paella a la Valencia from the Columbia Restaurant, a box of hand-rolled cigars courtesy of J.C. Newman Cigar Co. and, just to sweet the deal, some freshly made guava pastries from La Segunda Central bakery, that the Stanley Cup will remain in Tampa for the third straight year.

“I am prepared to personally fly to Denver to prepare a hand-cooked meal of paella, flan and our famous 1905 salad for four people of Mayor Hancock’s choosing,” Columbia owner Richard Gonzart said. “However, I don’t think I’m going to need to make that flight. I have total faith in our Bolts.”

Since Ybor City was originally known as the cigar capital of the world, Castor thought some hand-rolled cigars were appropriate.

“Tampa is an all-American City, so we’ve got all-American cigars,” said Eric Newman, whose family has been making cigars for three generation. "‘The American’ is the only all-American cigar in the world—rolled right here in our factory. Everything from the tobacco to the box is made in the USA. We are prepared to offer some of our cigars up as terms of the bet.”

Finally, to sweeten the bet, Castor turned to third-generation La Segunda bakery owner Tony More.

“If you’re looking for something sweet that’s a Tampa classic, you’ve got to go with our guava pastries,” said More.

Taking the challenge a step further — and rubbing a bit of salt in the wound — Hancock suggested topping off the bet with the mutual agreement that the mayor from the losing city wear the winning team's jersey.

"Shame you won't get to try our beer," Hancock teased Castor. "The Colorado Avalanche are bringing the Stanley Cup back to Denver."

That's yet to be seen as the teams head into Game 2 Saturday night, which again will be played at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

“Alright, Mayor Hancock, the bet is on and our Tampa Bay Lightning are playing to win," Castor said. “Lord Stanley wants to keep his tan and stay right here in Champa Bay. Go Bolts.”

Ahead of Saturday night's game, Lightning center and alternative team captain, Alex Killorn, said the Lightning were unprepared for the Avalanche's strong offense in Game 1 Wednesday.

"Maybe we're just trying to get a feel for them," Killorn said. "But it's got to be the other way around. We have to come out and set the tone. We knew they were going to have a good start. We just weren't as ready as we would like to be. Playing a team as talented as they are, you just don't want to give them any opportunities. We realize we have to play a lot better if we're going to beat them."

"I give them (the Avalanche) credit for pulling it out, but we've got better in us," said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. "I think, not by a country mile, did we give them our best game, but we've got a better game in us."

In a repeat of Wednesday night, Lightning fans are expected to pack Amalie Arena Saturday to watch Game 2 in Colorado on the big screen and get a chance to score some Lightning swag.

Lightning mascot ThunderBug will once again be on hand to lead the cheering. The arena's doors will open an hour before the 8 p.m. puck drop.

Tickets to the official Lightning watch party at Amalie Arena are $10 with proceeds going to the Lightning Foundation. Click here for tickets.

Fans can also watch from home. The game will be broadcast on ABC Sports, ESPN+, through the Fox Sports app and on Bally Sports Sun.

The Lightning will finally face the Avalanche at home for Game 3 Monday, June 20, and Game 4 Wednesday, June 22. Then, if necessary in the best of seven series, the Bolts will head back to Denver for Game 5.

Tickets to the upcoming home game are still available, although going fast. Expect to pay from $370 to $3,000. Click here.

See related stories:

• Lightning Face Avalanche Wednesday In Game 1 Of Stanley Cup Playoffs
• Tampa Mayor Hedges Bet On Bolts Stanley Cup 'Three-Peat' Championship