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Congrats to Alex Clingerman as he was selected Player of the Week – Forward  – for the Florida Division

Alex scored 3 goals and notched 5 assists in the Estero Florida Showcase

The Florida Eels are extremely excited to announce goaltender Karlis Mezsargs, a Florida Eels alum, is rostered on the Latvian World Junior Championships team, and has committed to NCAA Division I University of Massachusetts at Lowell (UMass-Lowell).

Karlis currently plays for the USHL’s Tri-City Storm. He is 6-feet-3-inches and 185 pounds, and catches left. He has played two previous occasions for the World Juniors for Latvia.

In 2019-20 he played for the Eels’ USPHL Elite team for 17 games and had a solid 2.52 GAA and enjoyed a .924 save percentage. Last year, he was tracked by some of the top scouts in the world and was on the NHL Draft scouting list.

Eels Premier Coach Frankie Scarpaci noted,” Karlis is a highly skilled goalie. He had outstanding skill set, was a strong competitor and had an unwavering commitment to his craft. He did so many of the things that make you better during his off ice training. He would arrive at the rink hours before others and stay later to gain extra training. He would watch videos for hours scouting out his next opponents. He has tremendous work ethic.”

There is no doubt in his mind that Karlis was a young man who would excel in his game.

GM Frank Scarpaci noted, “Karlis is a high character young man who displayed tremendous determination and dedication to his team and his game. He brought high energy and enthusiasm not only to his game but in practices. We are very proud of him and we are honored that he played for our Elite team. It is living example of how our Elite team develops players for the Next Level of play.”

Specifically, with Karlis he has advanced to the World Juniors three times for Latvia, he is playing for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL and, next season, at UMass-Lowell. Now that is impressive. Congratulations buddy!

By Joshua Boyd / USPHL.com

Charlotte Rush (4-0-0-0)

The Rush extended their winning streak to seven games with a 4-0 run in Estero, Fla., matching the success of their Premier team win for win. Not only did the Rush win all three games, they managed to shut out three opponents – the Tampa Bay Juniors (2-0), the Florida Jr. Blades (5-0), and the Florida Eels (5-0). They were 4-2 winners against the Florida Jr. Blades as well.

Top Scorers (by position): Yianni Tsatsoulis F (3-2-5), Benjamin Pearson D (1-4-5)

Top Goaltenders: Perry Jacobs, 1-0, 27 saves on 27 shots (27/27), 1.000 save percentage (SV%), 0.00 goals against average (0.00); Evan Crawford, 1-0, 17/17, 1.000 SV%, 0.00 GAA; Dylan Gorman, 1-0, 17/17, 1.000 SV%, 0.00 GAA

Richmond Generals (4-0-0-0)

The Generals, like their rivals the Charlotte Rush, went 4-0 and started out with a shutout. They defeated the Tampa Bay Juniors, 3-0, on Dec. 16. Their two-game day of Saturday saw them defeat the Palm Beach Typhoon (5-4 in OT) and the Atlanta MadHatters (7-1). They closed with a 5-2 Southeast Division win over the Nashville Spartans.

Top Scorers: Aidan Urie F (2-4-6), Damian Bridgett F (2-4-6)

Top Goaltenders: Aidan Mirra, 2-0, 38/41, .927 SV%, 1.50 GAA; Ethan Carlone, 2-0, 68/72 SV%, 1.97 GAA

Carolina Jr. Hurricanes (3-1-0-0)

The Jr. Canes stand as the No. 1 team in the USPHL Elite with 49 points. The Jr. Canes started Saturday with a 2-1 win over the Palm Beach Typhoon, followed by a decisive win against the Columbia Infantry and a 5-1 win against the Atlanta MadHatters. They actually took on the MadHatters one more time on Monday, falling 3-1.

Top Scorers: Brayden Strong F (1-6-7), Nathan Rhodes F (3-4-7), Colby Markham D (1-2-3)

Top Goaltenders: Pavel Matiunin, 2-0, 43/45, .956 SV%, 1.00 GAA

Florida Eels (3-1-0-0)

The Eels defeated the Columbia Infantry to start the showcase, putting together a big win over the Columbia Infantry followed the next day by a much closer victory against the team’s No. 3 points leaders the Potomac Patriots. They defeated the Hampton Roads Whalers, 3-1, on Sunday and closed out with a 5-0 defeat against the No. 2 Charlotte Rush.

Top Scorer: Andrew Ward F (6-3-9), Anderson Libby D (0-3-3)

Top Goaltender: Jake Mork, 1-0, 32/33, .970 SV%, 100 GAA

Potomac Patriots (3-1-0-0)

The Patriots started their showcase run on Friday with a 6-1 win against the Columbia Infantry, and then took a close 4-3 loss to the Florida Eels. they came back with their own close defeat of the Florida Jr. Blades by a 4-3 score and ended with a 4-0 shutout of the Palm Beach Typhoon on Dec. 18.

Top Scorers: Alaidar Aktayev F (2-3-5), Mark Pivec F (1-4-5)

Top Goaltenders: Elik Radovanovic, 1-0, 25/26, .962 SV%, 1.00 GAA; Edward Kaiven, 1-0, 56/60, 933 SV%, 2.00 GAA

Hampton Roads Whalers (2-2-0-0)

The Whalers enjoyed picking up a pair of wins in Estero, Fla., kicking off on Sunday with a clear 7-2 defeat of the Atlanta MadHatters, and then they defeated the Tampa Bay Juniors, 4-3, the very next day. On Sunday, the Florida Eels ended their mini-streak in a 3-1 defeat. Palm Beach won 5-2 over Hampton Roads on the closing day of Monday.

Top Players: Brayden Taylor F (4-3-7), Hudson Hinich D (0-2-2)

Top Goaltenders: Jean Berthaudin, 1-0, 33/36, .917 SV%, 3.00 GAA

In Other Action

All but one team took at least one win at the USPHL Florida College Showcase, certainly an amazing showing of the region’s depth.

The second-year Palm Beach Typhoon picked up three points (1-2-1-0), an improvement by a point from their 2021 performance at the same event last year. They started with a 5-4 OT loss on Dec. 17 to the Richmond Generals. After a loss on Dec. 17 (2-1 vs. the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes) and Dec. 18 (4-0 vs. Potomac Patriots). They finished with a 5-2 win against the Palm Beach Typhoon. Sean Boltin registered a 3-2-5 line to lead the team, while Olivier Dulac went 1-1-1-0 with 129 saves for a .942 save percentage.

The Atlanta MadHatters earned their first Florida showcase win since 2019, defeating the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes, 3-1, in their finale, less than a day after falling to the same Jr. Canes, 5-1. They also took losses to the Hampton Roads Whalers and the Richmond Generals. Colby Sims led the way up front with three points in the three games he played. Remi Hay was in net for the win against the Jr. Canes, stopping 34 of 35 shots for one of the best single game showcase performances.

The Florida Jr. Blades also earned their first Florida showcase victory since 2019, starting with a 6-4 win against the Nashville Spartans. They fell in Game 2 to the Potomac Patriots, 4-3, were shut out by the Charlotte Rush and also fell 4-2 to the Rush. Nate Mongeau put up five goals and an assist for six points.

​​Even the brand new Nashville Spartans kicked off their Florida showcase history with a win in their first run at the event. The Spartans took losses to the Florida Jr. Blades and Tampa Bay Juniors to start, both on Friday. On Saturday, they turned it around with a 6-2 victory against the Columbia Infantry. The Richmond Generals defeated the Spartans on Sunday. Daniel Kehoe scored four goals and an assist for five points. Carter Chamberlain earned the win in net.

The Tampa Bay Juniors picked up a shutout win 4-0 over the Nashville Spartans in their second game, sandwiched between shutout losses to the Richmond Generals and the Charlotte Rush. They closed with a 4-3 loss on Dec. 18 to the Hampton Roads Whalers. Ethan Curran, Garrett Bagnall, and Ari Blatt.

The Columbia Infantry were unable to record a win. Daniel Stefan led the team with two goals in the four games.

The Eels win 12-1 over the Infantry. The score says it all: 12-1

Tonight things were clearly different. You could see it in the players’ faces as they entered Hertz Arena. In fact, the Eels took advantage of its late night game by doing a short practice today where they got the r legs going, got some shots at net and just picked up a quick skate. NHL style.

But the commitment went much deeper. The Eels Elite took its training this past week into another gear. The players knew they would be showcased and they wanted to be at their very best. Every player wanted more. To be tested and challenged. To shoot not just 100 pucks per day but over 150 per day. Running “Fenways” were relished and not cringed. We saw a much fast and more explosive skating style. Well we all asked, was it worth it? Well winning by a margin of 12-1 says it all.

Well, it would all mean for not if the boys did not execute and that is what they did. Although we do not expect the boys to win each game by double digits, when you watch the game at hand, you almost expect it to be. You could see the game plan unfold. What was even more impressive here was the intangibles not seen on the scoreboard. The Eels dominated territorial possession and puck possession. 75% of the game was in the O-Zone. The Eels fore-check was completely suffocating. When Columbia did gain possession and came at the Eels net-minder, the Eels players smothered them with its relentless back-checking. Indeed, everyone bought in. It was a team commitment here and that unwavering will to win was painted all over the ice in every shift .

The fore-check and offense was a bit unique. No doubt Columbia was confused and became a bit unraveled. And just when they thought they figured things out Coach Scarpaci changed his system and a few more goals were triggered.

The boys left the game very pumped and savored the win. But the success has to be short lived as the Eels have just 8 hours from being undressed and back to their 2nd game.The Eels Face-Off against the Potomac Patriots at 9:00 am back at the Fort Myers Skatium

Please join us live or on HockeyTV

The Eels capture huge win over the Potomac Patriots. This was without doubt the best game thus far in the season. The Patriots in 2nd place in the Southeast Division. They were looking forward to over taking their regional foes: the Eels for Southern bragging rights and a chance to climb up in the standings. They are only a few points behind the Carolina Hurricanes so this was a key game for the Patriots.

The Eels also in 2nd place in the Florida Division were looking to gain ground on the Tampa Juniors. The Patriots brought their A game. These guys had speed, size, skill and experience. No doubt a veteran group of guys. Indeed, the Eels were put to the test.

Nonetheless, for the 2nd game of the the Showcase, the Eels came out victorious. 4-3. In fact, the Eels were down 1 goal going in the 3rd period and used their training, fortitude and determination to throttle a tie and then over take the Potomac.

This was a key game for the Eels and its season. They defeated a solid team. They came back and tied the game and then fought to garner the win. Additionally, the goaltending was solid.

Potomac Patriots 0 2 1 – 3
Florida Eels 1 1 2 – 4

1st Period-1, Florida Eels, ClIngerman 10 (Di Re, Valpeteris), 8:36. Penalties-Csemi Pot (roughing), 18:00; Bergman Eel (roughing), 18:00; Burke Eel (roughing), 18:00.

2nd Period-2, Potomac Patriots, Zubriichuk 3 3:56 (SH). 3, Florida Eels, Ward 4 (ClIngerman), 10:05 (PP). 4, Potomac Patriots, Hanna 8 (Biesiedin, Pivec), 12:05. Penalties-Biesiedin Pot (interference), 3:41; Varga Pot (cross-checking, disqualification), 9:45; Colton Eel (disqualification), 9:45; Cermak Eel (cross-checking), 14:46.

3rd Period-5, Potomac Patriots, Pivec 4 (Hanna, Biesiedin), 3:42. 6, Florida Eels, Di Re 8 (Ward, Valpeteris), 15:20. 7, Florida Eels, Di Re 9 (Ward, Valpeteris), 16:09. Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Potomac Patriots 5-17-11-33. Florida Eels 12-9-12-33.
Power Play Opportunities-Potomac Patriots 0 / 3; Florida Eels 1 / 1.
Goalies-Potomac Patriots, Kaiven 7-4-0-0 (33 shots-29 saves). Florida Eels, Spinella 6-1-0-0 (33 shots-30 saves).
A-

The Eels Premier team showed why they are ranked 5th overall in the league and in 1st place in the tough Florida Division. They came to play this weekend and to showcase their skills in front of dozens of college coaches in attendance. They had another impressive performance continuing with their all to familiar suffocating fore-check and denying and smothering back checking. You could see the jump in their stride and fire power on net. They were relentless both offensively with 29 shots on net and defensively they were stellar. Moreover, the performance in net by Duncan Rolleman was once again incredible turning away 17 of 18 shots.

The confidence exhibited by our players here is incredible. In each game they look stronger and more impressive. It is the way they are playing. Like performing surgery. Operation by precision. So fun to watch. So much fun to be part of. This is a tight group of guys and it shows.

Carolina Jr Hurricanes 1 at Florida Eels 4 – Status: In Progress (0:00 remaining in 3rd)
Saturday, December 17, 2022 – Hertz Arena Green Rink

Carolina Junior Hurricanes 0 1 0 – 1
Florida Eels 3 0 1 – 4

1st Period-1, Florida Eels, Shepherd 5 (Budgell, Hambling), 3:43. 2, Florida Eels, Patterson 17 (Moore, Godbout), 4:07. 3, Florida Eels, Godbout 5 (Budgell, Ziemba), 19:13 (PP). Penalties-Eaton Car (cross-checking), 7:43; Deshaies Eel (tripping), 10:23; Hambling Eel (hooking), 13:18; Crofoot Car (hooking), 17:04; Barashkin Car (cross-checking), 18:10.

2nd Period-4, Carolina Junior Hurricanes, Morris 7 (Eaton, Nicholls), 13:28 (PP). Penalties-Goddard Eel (interference), 9:28; Hambling Eel (major -cross-checking, game misconduct), 11:25; Wainman Car (hooking), 17:00.

3rd Period-5, Florida Eels, Salminen 8 (Budgell, Rolleman), 19:06. Penalties-Hennessy Eel (bench -too many players on the ice), 5:45; Trathen Eel (major -cross-checking, game misconduct), 9:13.

Shots on Goal-Carolina Junior Hurricanes 8-9-1-18. Florida Eels 11-11-7-29.
Power Play Opportunities-Carolina Junior Hurricanes 1 / 0; Florida Eels 1 / 0.

Danon Strikes it Again

The Eels are proud to announce that DAMON KIYAWASEW was selected by the USPHL staff as Player of the Week for the Florida Division. He has been on a scoring tear (12 goals) and has been incredible. He dominates on the ice and ignites his team’s offense. A true catalyst with 19 points and his presence is always felt when he is out there. A great teammate as well.

Who Are the Columbia Infantry ?
Well tomorrow the Eels Elite team Face-Off against the Columbia Infantry. They are in the Florida Division. The two organizations have yet to meet this season. This game will be their debut. And many folks think because they are in 5th place in our Division, they are somewhat weak. But that is NOT the case.

Sure they only have 6 wins and sustained 16 losses. But A more detailed analysis demonstrates they have taken on an extremely difficult schedule. They faced week in and week out the Likes of the Charlotte Rush, the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes the Richmond Generals, the Hampton Road Whalers, and the Potomac Patriots.

Consider this schedule on off the toughest in the USPHL Elite Division. They also defeated the Tampa Juniors in their series with them.

Our players are well aware who they are and will NOT take them for granted. The Eels have faced much adversity this year in their own right and have trained more than any other program in the league. The Eels will give the Infantry their own taste of a Florida Division battle ground. The Eels will send their soldiers in to battle so to speak, for each inch of the ice; into the tranches and fight this “war” in front of the crease and along the boards They will experience our aerial attack with some pretty high flying guys who are incredibly explosive and impossible to thaw.

They will feel just how much the Eels suffocate their opponents on the back check and smother them on the fore-check. This will be an incredible game to watch.

Please join us Friday night at Hertz arena 9:00 ppm or on HockeyTv