While this technically does not register as Lightning news, it is good to see that Jay Preble, who served the Lightning for 13 years in the media relations department, finally get back on his feet so to speak. Preble was laid off in April as the Lightning’s new (and now old) ownership purged a number of positions at the end of the season. I know it’s been a tough stretch and though he’s relished the time at home with his daughter, it’s nice to see Preble get back to work on a full time basis! Congratulations to Jay!!!!

Here’s the release from the United Soccer League, based in the Carrolwood area:

Former Tampa Bay Lightning executive Jay Preble joins USL

TAMPA, FL – Longtime sports communications professional Jay Preble has joined United Soccer Leagues as director of communications, USL CEO Alec Papadakis announced. Preble, who spent 13 years as director of public relations for Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League, will work to develop and implement a strategic communications plan for all of the teams in USL’s professional divisions.

In addition, Preble will oversee the establishment of USL’s team services plan for providing unprecedented assistance to USL team owners to increase their communications and media relations efforts.

“Jay Preble is an exciting new addition to our staff,” Papadakis said. “He brings a wealth of outstanding experience in major professional sports to the table, which will raise the profile of USL Communications both at the league and team levels. We’re most excited about the increased level of service we’ll be able to provide our franchises because of Jay’s arrival.”

Preble joins USL after serving in a similar role with the Lightning from 1996-2009. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the professional media and communications industry, having worked previously with The Tampa Tribune and The Associated Press.

“It’s an honor to be a part of United Soccer Leagues,” Preble said. “Not only is USL one of the longest serving and most respected organizations in North American soccer, but it’s driven by dedicated people at both the league and team levels who want nothing more than to grow the game. I look forward to being a part of one of the most exciting and hopeful times in North American soccer history.”

During his time with the Lightning, Preble watched one of the worst teams in NHL history develop into a Stanley Cup Champion in 2004. His job took him throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Switzerland. Through his role with the Lightning, Preble was also fortunate to visit both The White House and U.S. Central Command, as well as stand in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Preble managed Tampa Bay’s day-to-day interaction with local, national and international media (both at home and on the road), served as organizational liaison to local and national television rightsholders, and wrote all organizational press releases. He also arranged press conferences and player appearances, oversaw editorial content on the team website and served as editor for organizational publications. Additionally, he directed St. Pete Times Forum public relations efforts for various sporting events such as boxing and tennis, and served on the organizing committee for the 1999 NHL All-Star Weekend in Tampa.

“The inclusion of Jay is part of our continued expansion of the USL’s communications efforts,” USL President Tim Holt added. “We’ve seen a tremendous response recently with the launch of USL’s new blog and increased activity in other social media such as Twitter and Facebook. Jay’s addition will allow greater involvement from our communications department on every front.”

A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Preble was a season ticketholder for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers during the early 1980s, attending their summer soccer camps and serving as a ball boy during a friendly against Sunderland AFC. He also attended Soccer Bowl ’82 in San Diego, featuring the New York Cosmos and Seattle Sounders.

Preble attended American Heritage School in Plantation, where he captained the 1986 boys soccer team, ranked #1 in Florida. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 1992 with a B.A. in Communications (Public Relations). While at USF, he served as assistant sports editor at the school paper and interned in the Sports Information Department.