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Week Two of Training Camp: To elevate  their game individually and as a team. It requires 100% effort, determination and unwavering commitment by each player.

The Florida Eels Media department has been in full swing capturing highlights of week 2 of its training camp and accenting it with several interviews from returning players and new guys just joining the organization.  You can find many of the interviews on our social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  The guys all comment on the intensity of the daily training, camaraderie already in place, and the fortitude of the players.

The guys are seeing that skill alone wont be enough. It requires all of the players to ‘buy in” To elevate  their game individually and as a team. It requires 100% effort, determination and unwavering commitment by each player.

It is always interesting when you bring so many guys from across the Globe into one setting. But it is that diversity and integration from a cultural and geographical perspective and a mixture of European , USA,  Eastern Canada and Western Canada  styles of play that makes the Eels so unique. Join in and watch and enjoy these interviews.

The Eels had kicked off its first of 3 weeks of training camp. The boys were introduced to our new locker room facilities, and of course got to work with the coaching staff. It was an intense week and long days:  4-5 hours per day. The boys already were put to the test with running, timing and 2 scrimmage games. You can see the guys are all finding their place and getting comfortable with their new surroundings, billet homes and new coaches. There is so much to learn, and the coaches are taking at least an hour per day going over videos, and our philosophy, expectations, and goals.

This week we kick off another scrimmage, spend more attention to details in skill development and over all team systems.

This season  over a dozen of  the Eels Premier and Elite hockey players will be assisting the Fort Myers Skatium hockey department in coaching, mentoring and development of its young house rec players. The house rec players will range from Learn To Play, Mites U8, Squirts U10 Peewees U12 and Bantams U14.

The Eels Junior players are amongst some of the most talented players in Junior hockey.  They come from across the USA, Canada and Europe   They are extremely gifted individually and as a team. The program has steadfastly been Divisional and League leaders and systematically ranked at the top Nationally. The Eels have advanced 349 players to college. The Eels Junior players have received some of the best coaching in the industry and this will be a perfect opportunity to give back to the Fort Myers community.

The Eels players are very excited to be able to lend a hand and give back to the young boys and girls who are learning to play hockey.  These young players are so eager to learn and to be able to garner help from the older Junior players.  Rec Hockey – “This is where it all begins.” At the House Level. This is where they need to develop their skills:  skating, passing, stickhandling, shooting and learn the art of goaltending.  The fundamentals. Moreover, it will be great to have the Junior players form a bond, a mentorship. To keep it fun while learning. At this age and level it is not all about X’s and O’s and systems.  And with over 12 junior players immersed in the Skatium program, along with the Skatium coaches, each house player will be given the opportunity to gain individual attention.  The Eels will include two goaltenders in the volunteer staff.

General Manager Frank Scarpaci of the Eels notes he is very proud of his players for stepping up and volunteering  many hours each week to the house rec players. Our guys have always stepped up in helping the programs at the Skatium. We take great pride in giving back to the sport and to the Fort Myers Community.

 

 

By Joshua Boyd / USPHLPremier.com

 

On August 21, Gage Dill was in a car out of Fort Myers, Fla., and bound for Milton, Massachusetts, which will be his home for most of the next nine months.

“We’re on our way up. We check in Thursday and classes start on Monday [Aug. 28],” said Dill. “Captains practices for hockey will begin first week of September and full practices end of September or early October.”

Essentially, for Dill, summer is days away from being over as his sophomore year will kick off at Curry, with Dill re-entering the Colonels’ hockey team as the Commonwealth Coast Conference’s Rookie Of The Year. Dill posted 15 goals and 29 points in 29 games for the Colonels last year to earn the ROTY honor in addition to All-Rookie and Third Team All-Conference honors.

“I had an awesome first year. The coaching staff was amazing, the team that was brought together was awesome, the bond was tight. Everyone challenged each other on the ice to make everyone better,” said Dill. “I felt really grateful that I could come into this program and have such a huge part in it. I owe it all to my coaching staff and my teammates who helped me all year long – and also the Florida Eels for getting me to that level and allowing me to play in these positions.”

Dill’s Premier career started with the Eels rivals the Florida Jr. Blades, where he put up a fantastic rookie season in the USPHL Elite in 2017-18 with 45 points in 40 regular season games.

 

Reference Link – https://www.usphlpremier.com/committedleaders-spotlight-dill-curry

Today, we shine the spotlight on Florida Eels Junior Hockey Alumni, Daniel Boyd. Hailing from the picturesque Pine Island in Florida.

From an early age, Daniel was drawn to the ice like a magnet. At the tender age of five, he laced up his skates for the first time at the renowned Fort Myers Skatium, where his love for the game blossomed. Little did he know that this humble beginning would pave the way for an extraordinary career in the sport he adored.

As Daniel continued to hone his skills, he found a home in the esteemed Florida Eels Youth Organization. With dedication, hard work, and unwavering determination, he left a lasting impression on the ice. From the very start, it was clear that Daniel possessed the talent and drive to make his mark in the world of hockey.

From 2010 to 2014, Daniel proudly wore the Florida Eels Junior Hockey Program jersey, representing his team with unmatched fervor and a burning desire to succeed. Each time he hit the ice, he brought an unparalleled intensity, inspiring his teammates and captivating fans with his sheer determination.

Daniel’s passion for hockey was matched only by his dedication to his education. After completing his junior hockey journey, he pursued his studies at Becker College. However, his pursuit of knowledge led him back to his roots, earning his bachelor’s degree in Integrated Studies from the esteemed Florida Gulf Coast University. His commitment to academic excellence is truly commendable.

While Daniel’s prowess on the ice is undeniable, it is his selflessness and compassion off the ice that truly sets him apart. Building upon his love for helping others, Daniel embarked on a new journey as a firefighter EMT with the Estero Fire Rescue. Through his dedication, he obtained his Firefighter state certification and National EMT license, working tirelessly to protect and save lives in his community. He exemplifies the true spirit of a hero, demonstrating bravery, empathy, and unwavering commitment to public service.

Join us in honoring Daniel Boyd, a shining star who has excelled both in the rink and in life. His remarkable achievements as a hockey player and a community servant have left an indelible impact on those around him. We are proud to call him an alumnus of the Florida Eels Junior Hockey Program, and we can’t wait to see what great things he accomplishes in the future.

 

 

An important message from General Manager Frank Scarpaci:

It is with my deepest condolences that I pray for my good friend Alan Miller as he passed away this last weekend. Alan was a great friend a devoted husband to his loving wife Lisa and an incredible dad to his son Bryan and daughter Lauren. Words cannot describe this loss to all of us. Alan was a big man.  A Man’s man. Whose presence both physically and emotionally was felt when he walked into a room. He brought so much life, energy and laughter to all.

He always was so supportive of all his children’s’ endeavors. Oh boy was he a proud father. With his son Bryan who played  youth and junior hockey with the Florida Eels, Alan was there every step of the way. Whether transporting players from state to state, setting up Hockey TV at the Skatium, feeding players and hosting them in his home for Thanksgiving dinners or simply cheering in the stands. When Bryan went off to college Alan was there as well with such a smile that beamed from ear to ear. His boy!  Then when Bryan returned home and took a job with the Eels as an assistant coach with the Premier team, Alan could not have been prouder. His boy was an Eels and always an Eel. Alan never missed a game.

And Lauren, he was so proud of his baby girl.  He was so proud of you when you got accepted to the University of Florida. He loved to echo your accomplishments.  Indeed,  I remember last Christmas, he called me up and spoke with me for an hour about the program you were at   and internship opportunities and the future ahead of you.  Then 3 weeks later I met him at the rink and he sat in my office and again as a proud dad told me more…. As always,  I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. Yes you believe it me….not being able to get a word in….Now that is the Alan we know. A proud dad….he loving dedicated and devoted family guy. His kids best friend.

Alan it wasn’t just your physical presence that made you so special. Indeed, it was your support and guidance. Your advise, encouragement and business acumen, your friendship and camaraderie. You always had such great advise not just to Bryan and Lauren but to the hundreds of Eels junior players and our coaches.

Alan yes you are now resting in Heaven and I know you will be cheering on our Eels and looking after your family. No, you wont be here in person, but your presence will never be gone. Your voice, spirit and guidance will forever be with us. We will never forget you. You have left an indelible void in our lives but most importantly with Lisa, Bryan and Lauren. I know you will continue to shine your spirit on them as always. We love you buddy.