Big Mitch Fritz was a member of the Lightning organization from August 2005, when he signed as a free agent until July 2007, when he was traded to the Rangers for defenseman Bryce Lampman. In two seasons with AHL Springfield, Fritz had six goals, 12 points and 356 penalty minutes in 132 games.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning has recalled center Blair Jones from its AHL affiliate in Norfolk. No immediate word on the team's plans for Jones. But the kid is picking up some frequent flier miles. This is his third call-up since Dec. 3.

Jones played two games during his first time up and averaged 12:43 of ice time. He had one shot on goal, but impressed coach Rick Tocchet, who said at the time that Jones is someone he would like on the team.

A tumultuous day for the Tampa Bay Lightning got even more so Wednesday when assistant coach Wes Walz was fired after he declined to take the head coaching job at AHL Norfolk. That job opened when the Lightning promoted Admirals coach Jim Johnson to a Tampa Bay assistant. Walz was removed from his Tampa Bay assistants job to make room for Johnson.

Walz earlier in the day was said to be mulling whether to take the Norfolk job. No immediate word on who will fill that job, though a replacement likely will be named quickly.

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