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In the heart of the Sunshine State, a hockey revolution has been quietly brewing for two decades. The Florida Eels Junior Hockey Program, a true trailblazer in the southern hockey landscape, is all set to blaze an even brighter trail as it celebrates its momentous 20th anniversary. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a powerhouse, the Florida Eels have reshaped the hockey narrative in Florida and the entire South, proving that hockey thrives wherever passion and determination collide.

For 20 years, the Florida Eels have been more than just a hockey program – they’ve been a beacon of hope for aspiring players and a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence. As pioneers of junior hockey in the region, the Eels have molded themselves into an institution that not only develops top-notch hockey players but also instills in them the values of teamwork, discipline, and dedication.

The Eels’ journey to this remarkable 20th anniversary season has been marked by countless triumphs and moments of pure grit. From their inception, they’ve boldly stepped onto the ice, forging a legacy that showcases the potential of hockey in an unconventional region. As players lace up their skates and hit the ice, they’re not just donning the team colors; they’re becoming a part of a legacy that spans two decades of unrelenting perseverance and unbridled passion.

With a roster teeming with returning stars and fresh raw talent, this season promises to be nothing short of electrifying. The Eels’ coaching staff, with their wealth of experience and a keen eye for talent, are poised to mold this diverse group into a formidable force on the ice.

Every slapshot, every save, every breakaway, and every victory will echo with the celebration of the program’s legacy and the dreams of the future. The Eels are more than a team; they’re a symbol of what can be achieved when unwavering dedication meets unshakable resolve.

As the Florida Eels Junior Hockey Program celebrates its 20th anniversary, they extend an invitation to all hockey enthusiasts, fans, and supporters to be a part of the exhilarating journey ahead. Follow along as the Eels redefine the game in the South, proving that hockey transcends boundaries and flourishes wherever passion runs deep.

IG  — @FloridaEels_USPHL

Info@FloridaEelsJrHockey.com

This past week the Eels had 6 teams in the Junior Chowder Cup which is 120 players in all. These teams were made up of a 2007 and a 2008 age division. During the Pro Am Chowder Cup Showcases, our players came from Europe Canada – Edmonton Calgary Vancouver Nova Scotia Montreal Toronto, China, and South Korea, and across the USA.

This week we completed our 3 week summer tour where we had 12 teams this summer 240 players from across the Globe. When you add in the Spring events, such as the USPHL NCDC Showcase and the Pro Am Pre Draft. We had in total  17 teams in all totaling  340 players. That is amazing. So many players sought to be part of these Eels post-season events.

All of our players came to garner the incredible experience of playing with and against the top players from around the World. The Eels provided its players with dozens of practices from its Eels junior coaches, Prep School coaches, and college coaches. In addition to the showcase games, the Eels administered a number of scrimmages to better prepare its players for the Showcase games.  The Eels teams were very competitive in the showcase games. In the end, the players were seeking unmatched exposure and that is what they captured. There were so many coaches present from the Junior Prep and college ranks and so many of our guys were able to secure spots for the upcoming season.

The Eels have been one of the longest-standing programs competing in the Pro Am Series of Showcases and are indeed honored and proud to be part of this most prestigious and time-honored event. We wish all of our players who joined us success in the upcoming season.

A very successful week for the Florida Eels at the Pro Am Chowder Cup Series! Fantastic to hear that the Florida Eels had 4 teams in the Pro-Am Sr. Chowder Cup Showcase, with a total of 80 players. The exposure they received from over 100 scouts, NHL NCAA Div. 1 and 3 coaches, and junior coaches from across North America was incredible.

The Florida Eels has quite the impressive showing, as players came from various locations around the world, including cities in Canada, Russia, China, and across the USA to complete in this tournament. Competing against other highly talented teams and players provided a great challenge and opportunity for growth for the Eels prospects who attended the tournament.

The presence of 6 coaches, including college coaches, junior coaches, and pro players, further amplifies the commitment to developing and mentoring these young players on the Eels behalf. It’s great to see that some players were able to tie in college visits and tours during their time at the Chowder Cup, exploring opportunities for their future education and hockey careers.

The Florida Eels have an impressive number of teams in the Spring and Summer Showcase series. With 17 teams and over 350 players in total, the Eels continue to provide opportunities for players from around the world to showcase their skills.

Congratulations to the teams on their success so far, and best of luck to the 6 teams competing in the Pro-Am Jr Chowder Cup this week!

The Florida Eels are thrilled to announce their successful participation in the Pro Am Chowder Cup Showcase series. Over the first weekend, the Eels fielded two teams in the Mini-Chowder Cup showcase games in the 2009 age division. These teams consisted of players from various regions in the United States and Canada, including Montreal, Toronto, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Alberta, and states across the USA 

The Pro Am Chowder Cups are regarded as the most prestigious post-season showcases in North America, and the Eels' participation marks a milestone achievement. With approximately 95 participating teams and close to 2,000 players, the level of competition was extraordinary.

During the showcase games, the Eels' 2009 teams excelled against formidable opponents. Prior to the games, the teams diligently practiced and engaged in scrimmage matches at the New England Sports Village in Attleboro. Facing off against highly skilled squads, including JV varsity teams, Prep Players, and even a team from China, the Eels showcased their talent and determination. Not only did they secure an impressive record of 3-1-4, but they also received recognition from prep school coaches who were impressed by their exceptional skills.

Looking ahead, we are equally enthusiastic about the upcoming Pro Am Sr Chowder Cup and Jr Chowder Cup. In the following weeks, the Eels will be represented by 80 players in the Sr Chowder Cup and 120 players in the Jr Chowder Cup. These events also provide an opportunity for players in these age brackets to try out for the Eels junior teams.

The Florida Eels extend their heartfelt congratulations to the players and commend the four dedicated coaches for their tireless efforts in guiding and supporting the team throughout the showcase. The Eels organization is proud to compete in the Pro Am Chowder Cup series for over 3 decades and appreciates the invaluable experience and exposure gained from participating in such a renowned tournament.

Nestled within the vibrant hockey community of Fort Myers, there’s one name that stands out: Mitch Hill, the esteemed Elite Head Coach of the Florida Eels. With a remarkable background in the sport and an unwavering passion for nurturing young talent, Coach Hill has become an integral figure in the Florida hockey scene.

Born and raised in the hockey-loving state of Pennsylvania, Mitch Hill’s love affair with the sport began at a young age. Endlessly captivated by the speed, skill, and camaraderie on the ice, Hill’s talent blossomed as he dedicated countless hours to honing his skills on the rink. After graduating from Penn State Berks, where he showcased his prowess on the ice, he set his sights on a coaching career, driven by his desire to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of hockey enthusiasts.

Coach Hill’s journey led him to the hallowed halls of the Fort Myers Skatium, where he would leave an indelible mark on the local youth hockey programs. He joined forces with the Black Jacks and the Florida Warriors, dedicating himself to the development of young players and instilling in them a deep love and respect for the game. His commitment to fostering a positive, growth-oriented environment ensured that every player under his guidance experienced personal and athletic growth.

As fate would have it, Coach Hill’s dedication and expertise caught the attention of the Florida Eels organization, and he was appointed as the Elite Head Coach and Assistant Premier Coach. Under his astute leadership, the Florida Eels Elite team has flourished, setting new standards of excellence both on and off the ice.

In his role as Elite Head Coach, Mitch Hill has led his team to two consecutive district playoff championships, a testament to his strategic acumen and ability to inspire his players to reach their full potential. The Eels’ dominant performances on the national stage have earned them two appearances at the prestigious USPHL Nationals, an achievement that speaks volumes about the team’s rise to prominence under Coach Hill’s tutelage.

Beyond the accolades and championship wins, it is Coach Hill’s approach to coaching that truly sets him apart. Known for his unwavering dedication, infectious enthusiasm, and genuine care for his players, he goes above and beyond to foster a supportive and empowering atmosphere. Hill’s coaching philosophy prioritizes the development of well-rounded individuals, encouraging his players to embrace discipline, teamwork, and resilience both on and off the ice.

As Coach Hill embarks on his third season as the Elite Head Coach and Assistant Premier Coach of the Florida Eels, his influence continues to grow. With a steadfast dedication to nurturing talent, fostering camaraderie, and instilling a love for the game, he has undoubtedly become an invaluable asset to the Fort Myers hockey community. As the Eels Elite team looks toward the future, they can rest assured that they have a leader in Mitch Hill who will guide them to new heights and inspire a new generation of hockey players to chase their dreams.