Steven Stamkos

Daughters surprised by Navy dad's return at Lightning game (VIDEO)

Published Dec. 27, 2015 2:58 p.m. ET

foxsports

Paul Fahrenbach provided a belated Christmas gift that his daughters will never forget.

Fahrenbach, who is United States Navy Chief Petty Officer, was stationed in the net behind the cardboard cutout as Riley, Danni and Kailey participated in a "Family Feud" contest during the intermission of Saturday's game pitting the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Via the Tampa Bay Lightning Twitter account:

Although the girls initially were dejected that their shootout attempts went awry, the cutout was dropped and Fahrenbach emerged with a big smile on his face. The girls needed a moment to realize what transpired before racing into the arms of their father, who had returned from a year-long deployment in Bahrain.

The Lightning's local broadcast revealed that Fahrenbach and Tampa Bay forward Tyler Johnson became friendly when the latter was with Norfolk of the American Hockey League. Fahrenbach was stationed in Norfolk at the time.

While Steven Stamkos collected two power-play goals and an assist in the Lightning's 5-2 win over the Blue Jackets, it's highly doubtful that the Fahrenbach family will remember the evening for the captain's performance.

Thank you and welcome home, Paul! It was an honor to be a part of your homecoming. https://t.co/V58fTgp8qc
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) December 27, 2015