Ah spring. There’s a few certainties about this time of year. Flowers are blooming, playoff hockey is in full swing and Marvel has released the next installment in their cinematic universe. Don’t worry, there’s no spoilers here. We wanted to take inspiration from Captain America: Civil War and continue our annual tradition of matching Lightning players with their super hero counterparts. The rumors are that Civil War is essentially the third Avengers movie so here they are… The Contenders! Which side are they on?
Team Cap
Ryan Callahan : Captain America
Another year, another opportunity to cast Cally as Cap. Steve Rogers’ journey from a scrawny young man who wanted nothing more than to enlist to fight in World War II and help others. “Project Rebirth” turned him into a super soldier and pretty much the living embodiment of patriotism. Usually we highlight Callahan’s superior reflexes and agility here but the man did crash into the boards at practice a few weeks ago. We’ll say this. Cally plays with a ton of heart and isn’t afraid to sacrifice his body for the benefits of his teammates.
Brian Boyle : Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier
If Cally is Cap then it only makes sense that Boyle would be Bucky. Not just because we enjoy alliteration. James Buchanan Barnes was a long time friend of Steve Rogers. While on a mission during World War II, Bucky is believed to have been killed in action. Suffering from amnesia, he was found and rebuilt by the Russians. Bucky became a programmed assassin known as The Winter Soldier. Boyle fits as Bucky for his friendship with his long time teammate. Skill at hand to hand combat can translate to the face off circle and any fisticuffs that may break out on the ice.
Tyler Johnson : Ant-man
We’ll give you a minute to laugh at the short jokes. This pairing actually makes quite a bit of sense. While Ant-man is able to shrink down to approximately one inch in height thanks to a rare group of subatomic particles called the Pym particles. While in this diminiutive state he has incredible strenght and agility. He can also telepathically communicate with insects which could translate to Tyler’s uncanny connection with his Triplet line mates. Strong, fast, and snarky despite his size. That fits Johnson to a t.
Anton Stralman : Falcon
Yes, another former Ranger is on Team Cap. A regular ally to Captain America, Falcon wears a special harness that enables him to fly. There are also telepathic abilities when it comes to birds as well as being adept at gymnastics and hand to hand combat. Stralman’s swift, smooth skating is what brought him to mind for this character. A veteran defenseman, he is adept at handling any challenges or battles he may face over the course of a game. Get well soon, Stralsy. You are missed.
Jason Garrison : Hawkeye
The Lightning defenseman is taking this role again for 2016. While Hawkeye still doesn’t have any special superhuman powers, his skill at archery is unmatched. He’s strong and in peak physical condition. Garrison’s heavy slapshot makes him a natural to be this expert marksman. Please see his game winning goal in overtime of Game 4 as evidence. Both are natural athletes and formidable unarmed combatants. Garrison isn’t afraid to use his body to impose his will on the blue line or tough areas of the ice.
Jonathan Drouin : Scarlet Witch
It’s easy to proclaim that Drouin’s abilities on the ice are magic. He can do things with the puck that are absolutely incredible. Just like the Scarlet Witch can use her hexes to manipulate probability, when Drouin’s game is on he has the power to fool his opponents and leave them in his wake. His skill borders on the edge of sorcery. Let’s hope he can continue to use his powers for good during the playoffs.
Team Iron Man
Steven Stamkos: Iron Man
A boy genius, Tony Stark is a self-made super hero. After being wounded and captured by his enemies he developed an advanced suit of armor in order to gain his freedom. A founding member of The Avengers, Iron Man fights threats through the aid of this technology. Stammer has his bionic leg. Sure, that’s technology. Stark is no stranger to being in the public eye, something Stamkos knows all too well.
Braydon Coburn: War Machine
The veteran defenseman seems to be a perfect match for this experienced soldier. A trained pilot, solder, and business man James Rhodes is a close associate of Tony Stark. He has a very physical fighting style and is skilled in unarmed combat. Coburn is a large physical presence on the ice and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves when needed.
Nikita Kucherov : Black Widow
We’re keeping this one from last year and it remains a good fit. Natasha is incredibly agile, capable of complex aerial maneuvers and a world class marksman. She is also an extremely intelligent tactician who can easily mask her true thoughts and feelings. Often seen as the stoic member of Tampa’s Triplets, Kucherov’s speed and skill make him a difficult player to defend. Plus they’re both basically Russian assassins in their lines of work.
Ben Bishop: Vision
We’ll go with the Marvel Cinematic Universe on this one. Originally created as part of Ultron’s attempt at making a more powerful Vibranium-laced form, Vision is an incredibly powerful synthetic being. After Tony Stark and Bruce Banner implanted J.A.R.V.I.S. –based codes into his mind Vision joined the Avengers to stop Ultron’s nefarious plans. He has a benevolent personality and a fondness for humanity. He is incredibly powerful , calm and thoughtful. That doesn’t make him a pushover. He will attack when provoked. That sounds a lot like Bish. Just ask Brandon Prust.
Ondrej Palat : Black Panther
Black Panther is the powerful alter ego of T’Challa, prince of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. Wakanda is pretty much the only place in the world where you can find the most versatile metal in the Marvel world: Vibranium. Black Panther is a master strategist and incredibly smart. He has super human strength, durability, stamina and reflexes. It might be a bit of a stretch but the strategic aspect of the character is what linked him to Palat for us. Cooper has called Ondrej “the straw that stirs the drink” of his line on more than one indication. He isn’t afraid to physically impose himself in tough areas of the ice and is an incredibly intelligent player. It’s weird putting him on a team opposite Tyler Johnson but here we are.
Spideybolt: Spiderman
Bolts Nation already has this covered by our friendly neighborhood SpideyBolt!
Did we miss any characters? Let us know in the comments. Please keep it spoiler free as we haven’t seen the movie yet!
(Photoshops/Tarra Dunlop)
Follow me on Twitter @alexis_b82 and please “like” LightningShout on Facebook. You can email us at lightningshout@aol.com.