The Eels started their 2019-20 training camp this past week and things are in full swing. There are 50+ players present from across the Globe: Players from Belarus Russia Latvia Finland Sweden France Slovakia Czech Republic Lithuania Montreal Ontario and Alberta Canada and across the USA. A true International program. This is probably one of our most talented group of players says GM Frank Scarpaci.
The program kicked off with player and parent orientation with over 150 in attendance. Followed up with an organization wide dinner of players parents’ coaches staff billet families and many members of the community who came out to meet and greet our new and returning players. In fact, at dinner we had over 200 in attendance. Simply amazing as Clare Scarpaci program manager cooked for all the people.
It was phenomenal having returning veteran players integrate with the many new players. We first did a brief introduction of our the USPHL Its 2,400 college placements. The 1,100 players actively playing in college. Our rich and storied success of the league and its accomplishments beyond college including Hobey Baker Nominees and recipients, players who moved up to the pros and specifically with the NHL and many who played in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.
Moreover, the orientation covered extensively the Eels legacy spanning over 3 decades and its 250+ college advancements; Its players accomplishments and the teams’ accomplishments as well. Indeed, last season once again the Eels were amongst only a few teams in which both its Premier and Elite advanced to Nationals. That is an incredible accomplishment.
We covered both league and team protocols. Billet requirements and expectations. Codes of conduct/ NCAA College rules and our college advising and application process. The SAT/ACT and Tofel training options available.
The actual on ice and off ice training kicked off on Monday. This included 4+ hours of ice, office agility, gym and video and classroom training. It was a great first week for the players and coaches. The Eels pre-season training camp runs a full 21 days. There will be a few scrimmages during this process with local college ACHA teams and some of the other local programs as well. This 21 day training camp gives our guys a full opportunity to work into the season. We do not want to rush things. That is how injuries occur. We take our time. It is all about player development. This camp echoes that.
