The Florida Eels are honored to announce our 3rd college commitment this season. A huge congratulation goes out to JP Montmarquette as he commits to Davenport University. Montmarquette had numerous college options as he is known for his strong defensive abilities. He was honored to have been recruited by so many well-known and respected college coaches. No doubt the coaches at Davenport University love what they saw in him while they were scouting at a number of USPHL College Showcases in Chicago, Charlotte , Boston and in Tampa Florida both from a tangible and intangible basis.
Montmarquette is a 1998 veteran defensemen 6’0” 175 pounds; is a native of St-Therese, QC, Canada. He is a veteran defenseman. Before joining the Eels Junior program, he played for two seasons for the prestigious Northwood Prep School in Lake Placid, New York. He is a product of HPA Sports Management under the guidance of Dan D’Astoli, Executive Director and Senior Advisor of HPA Sports Management Group. HPA Sports is one of the worldwide leaders in developing Elite players from across Canada, the USA, Europe and Australia.
Florida Eels General Manager Frank Scarpaci said he knew he wanted JP from the first time he scouted him over 2 years ago at the HPA Junior Hockey Combine in Fort Wayne, Indiana. That combine was truly an eye opener. There were so many extremely talented junior hockey prospects at this one venue. GM Scarpaci said even back then JP played like a seasoned veteran defenseman. He made smart first outlet passes in the defensive zone, battled very hard in front of his own net protecting “his house” and was equally tough along the boards denying opposing players any sustained penetration to his net; had excellent gap control with one on one zone entries as the opposition attempted line rushes. He was smart and drove them wide; was equally strong and effective on the offensive blue line. He made sure he kept the puck in the zone as he frustrated the opposition breakouts. He had a very accurate and heavy shot that gets on net. This was a young man who had very high upside. Clearly JP was a step above the rest.

Florida Eels Premier Coach, Frankie Scarpaci noted in his player profile and scouting report:
JP Makes the right plays, and does it without hesitation. He is energetic and efficient he’s a player that coaches want to go into battle with. Can absolutely hammer one-timers. Makes some real precise plays with the puck where he can move it up quickly. He has solid gap control. One of the top defensive defensemen in the USPHL. He battles hard owning the crease and is relentless along the boards. Extremely physical. He is very mature. He has a very high compete level. Makes excellent first passes out. Always finding his open forward. Great team guy. Shows strong leadership skills. Has great vision on the ice. He has tremendous passion. Phenomenal work ethic. Very dedicated and determined.
GM Scarpaci notes, Montmarquette is a great character young man who comes from extremely loving and supportive parents and grandparents. They have made significant sacrifices to allow him to reach and realize his goals and mission to play college hockey. The time spent developing here with the Eels has proven very fruitful for JP.
JP is looking forward to becoming a Davenport Panther and playing for Head Coach Chris Green and Assistant Coaches Ryan VanderWoude and Ray Hyde. The coaching staff is very dedicated to their team and JP is excited about the opportunity to advance to this level and play with and against some of the high-level players in that conference. Moreover, Davenport plays in a tough conference against teams such as Sault College, Lindenwood, Aurora University, Trine, Michigan State, Adrian College and Aquinas College., Penn State, Florida Gulf Coast, Robert Morris, and the University of Michigan. He is use to playing at a very high level and next year will be an extension of his player development.
JP realizes going to college he will be a student athlete. He is equally focused on the academic side of his future. He plans to major in business. In fact, Davenport has a very prestigious and well known and respected business program and that was a key factor in his decision to attend and study at Davenport. Moreover, he loves the location of the school and all of the opportunities that are present there for him. How exciting.
We wish the best of luck to JP. There is no doubt that he will make us all proud in his endeavors and studies at college. #floridaeelsjuniorhockey#usphl