Florida Eels Sweep the Florida Cup
This weekend the Florida Eels Elite and Premier team competed in the first inaugural Florida Cup. The Florida Cup showcases the four Florida based teams: Palm Beach Typhoon, Tampa Bay Juniors, Florida Jr. Blades and the Florida Eels, as they compete to win title of top team based in Florida.
Despite trying times in the Southwest Florida community due to Hurricane Ian, hockey players in Florida were itching to get back to the game they love. As some teams prepared in their normal settings both the Florida Jr. Blades and the Florida Eels had to find alternative arrangements as their training facilities underwent reconstruction due to minor damage from the storm. The Eels embraced this challenge and used the obstacles to further develop their bond as a team and with community. Eels regained home ice advantage earlier in the week, and it felt good to be home.
Preparations for the upcoming weekend Florida Cup completion were underway, and the Eels had a fire within to show the world we are back baby and we are coming for that title!
And that they did!
The Florida Eels Elite faced off first against the Palm Beach Typhoon, battling for control of the game. They kicked the rust off, after two weeks without a game winning 6-1. They next battled the Tampa Bay Juniors who matched them goal for goal, throughout the entire game. With three minutes left to spare, Justin Deshaies scored lighting up the lamp pushing the Eels ahead 5-4, clenching the Florida Cup championship.
The Florida Eels premier, also battled the Palm Beach Typhoon first. Despite their 8-4 win, the game was fast and Palm Beach was relentless in their efforts to avenge each goal gained by the Eels. Sunday the Eels advancing to the championship game, faced off against the Tampa Bay Juniors. Both teams eager to play against each other, the Eels stepped on the ice with a confidence and calm that surprised most. They were bought in and played their game. Eels pulled off the win at 5-0.
Despite the added adversity that was given to the Florida Eels and Fort Myers community the boys were bought in and ready to show the world they are still a contending team for the National Championship later this season. Eels currently hold the Florida Cup champion title in both divisions but have made it very clear they are aiming for another cup this season.
