Category: Uncategorized

Premier

Florida Eels Premier Spotlight Forward and Captain Anthony Zebley. During the 2024-2025 season, Zebley has stared in 8 games, had 5 goals, and 4 assists. Zebley lead the Eels Premier team into two overtimes over the past four days. Zebley joins the Eels for his season with over 92 games played, 30 goals scored, 30 assists and total of 60 points.

Elite

Florida Eels Spotlight Defenseman Ty Elzinga. Elzinga joins the Eels for his second season. So far during the 2024-2025 season Ty has stared in 10 games, had 2 goals, had 4 points, with a total of 6 points. Since joining the Eels in 2023, Ty has stared in 41 games, had five goals, 9 assists with a total of 14 points. Elzinga is a powerhouse Defenseman and plays a key role on the Eels Elite team.

Premier Spotlight:

Florida Eels Spotlight Premier Goaltender, Russ Decoste. Decoste stared in Sunday’s Florida Cup Championship against the Tampa Bay Juniors. Facing over 35 shots, Decoste showcased his extraordinary skill between the pipes as he warded off incoming scoring opportunities. Russ, remains calm, cool and collected throughout high stakes games. We are extremely proud of him and so glad he is apart of the Eels family

Elite Spotlight:

Florida Eels Spotlight Elite Forward, Tyson Gagnon. Gagnon was a star component on the ice in Sunday’s victory over the Florida Jr. Blades. Gagnon was able to secure two goals in the game, helping propel the team to a 3-2 victory win. Gagnon joins the Eels this season, staring in 6 games, scoring 3 goals, having three assists with a total of 6 points. He is a team player and never takes full credit for his accomplishments, often crediting his linemates. We are extremely proud of him and glad he is a member of the Eels family.

Written by: Nikki Scarpaci

The third annual Florida Cup was kicked off with a bang, Saturday, October 19^th, 2024, as the Mayor of Fort Myers, Kevin B. Anderson, opened the games with an honorary puck drop. The Mayor was largely impressed with the USPHPL Florida Cup event, and was pleased to participate in the puck drop and open the games.

Four teams in Florida, Florida Eels, Palm Beach Typhoon, Florida Jr. Blades, and Tampa Bay Juniors, come together every October to battle for the tile and honor of becoming the Florida Cup Champions. At its third year, the stakes grow higher as the Florida Eels have held the title of Florida Cup Champions in both the Elite and Premier Divisions for two years. Teams show up with excitement and ready to leave it on the line, as they battle to bring the cup home to their home rink and their piece of Florida.

Two-time defending champions the Florida Eels Premier were awakened and prepared to regain the tile of this year’s 2024 Florida Cup Champions as they stepped foot on the ice Saturday, October 19^th, 2024 to take on the Pam Beach Typhoon. After a devastating, 4-3, loss two days prior to the Typhoon, the Eels were focused.  The Florida Eels opened the game with three goals in the first period, against the Typhoon. The Eels defended their zone, and continued to secure another five goals in the second period. Taking an 8-0 victory over the Palm Beach Typhoon and securing their spot in the Championship on Sunday.

The Florida Eels and the Tampa Bay Juniors played in the Florida Cup Championship game on Sunday, October 20^th at 3:00pm. Both teams making their appearance for the third time, in three years, to battle for the chance to win the Florida Cup. Stakes high, as the Florida Eels battled to remain the Florida Cup Champions, and as the Tampa Bay Juniors strived to dethrone the Eels title, taking home the cup for both the Elite and Premier Divisions this season.

Both the Florida Eels and the Tampa Bay Juniors were determined to grab the first point of the game, as the players continued to make phenomenal plays and goalies made remarkable saves. At the end of the first period, the scored remained deadlocked 0-0.

Both teams returned to the ice, with fire and grit, trying to gain the first point, the lead in the gam. At 17:47 in the second period, the Eels finally claimed the first point of the game, goal scored by Maximilian Ideström. The period closed 1-0, Eels.

In the third period, at 4:02 Tampa Bay Juniors tied the game 1-1, goal scored by Dawson Osborn. Tensions were high, as both teams were determined to advance. Players continued to lay on countless shots, hoping to get the puck through to the net. At 14:54, Xavier Charron scored the second goal in favor of the Eels, propelling the lead 2-1. Tampa Bay Juniors continued to fight to tie up the game through the very last second of play.

The Florida Eels claimed their third Florida Cup victory, with a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Juniors. Congratulations Eels!

Two years ago the Florida Division created what is now known as the Florida Cup. Many of the other Divisions in the USPHL replicated it as the Military Cup;  The Dixie Cup;   and the alike. In fact , most of the Divisions in the USPHL have created their own like event.

This  Florida Cup is  designed with a purpose to create a playoff atmosphere in the early part of the season for the local Florida teams: The Florida Eels, the Jr Blades, the Tampa Bay Juniors and the Palm Beach Typhoon.  These games are very well attended as families love to come and watch the excitement of these 4 teams.

The Florida Cup is a 2 day event consisting of Saturday and Sunday games.  The event will take place at the Fort Myers Skatium on Oct 19^th and 20^th The Eels won the Florida Cup in the last two seasons in both the Premier and Elite games.

The seedings are based on conclusion last year’s Regular Season final standings. The 1^st place team will Face-Off against the lowest seed. The 2^nd seed will square off against the 3^rd seed. The Premier being the Gold and the Elite the Silver. So the Eels are the defending Champions.

In this year’s contest, the Eels will face-off vs the Palm Beach Typhoon in game one of the Premier and Elite whereas the Tampa Juniors will face-off vs the Jr Blades in the Elite and Premier Divisions.

On Sunday, the winners of each set of games will then compete for the Florida Cups on Sunday. And the two loosing teams will square off in a consolation games.

The spirit of these games is what throttles the competition. The games do count in the standings as  part of their 44 regular season games.

All teams  compete in 3 showcases, 2 in Florida and 1 in the Southeast, for a subtotal of  12 showcase games for a subtotal of 42 games, and then they compete in the Florida Cup in 2 games, totaling a 44 game season.

No doubt the Florida Cup establishes preliminary bragging rights for the teams. They are well scouted on Flohockey and part of the regular recruiting process. The last two seasons we had over a dozen NCAA College coaches tune in to these games. We had  even more ACHA and AAU coaches watch as well.   Many of our college commitments were first scouted from these events. Indeed, many of the college coaches echoed that this was  where the seeds were planted. From here they followed the players in USPHL Showcases and games.

Message from Owner/General Manager Frank Scarpaci:

Due to the travel conditions thrust upon us, the Eels were not able to attend the USPHL Southeast Showcase in Chesapeake (Hampton Roads) VA last weekend. Although it was disappointing, we would not place our players in harms way. In fact, the bus company who were working with FEMA said they would not embark on this trip.

The Eels will instead head to Indiana to face off against teams in the Midwest. This is a wonderful opportunity to face off against some of the Midwest competition, as the Eels faced many of those teams at Nationals last year, including the Fort Wayne Spacemen and the Metro Jets Development team.  It is very exciting to be able to play against opponents we hardly ever see.

At the Estero Showcase in December, we will square off against the Northern Cyclones as well as the teams from the Southeast Conference. In Tampa, in January, we will get to play against teams from the Great Lakes Division and the Midwest including the Metro Jets, the Toledo Storm  and Minnesota Squash.

The boys are looking forward to getting back into action. The trip to Fort Wayne will be so exciting. They will be taking a plane, staying in different hotels and getting to showcase what they have been working extremely hard since mid-August.

Seth Morris

Florida Eels Spotlight Premier forward, Seth Morris. 2006, Californian native, Morris joins the Eels this season, after playing last season for the USPHL Premier Seattle Totem. With the Totems Morris stared in 41 games, scored 30 goals, had 34 assists, with a total of 64 points. Morris, showed immense dedication and grit during the Eels four-week pre-season training camp. During the weekend series opener Morris was indeed, a key power forward earning 6 points in two games! Morris was able to claim his first goal of the season, along with five assists, proving to be quite the playmaker. The Eels are excited to see Morris, in action this weekend at the Southeast Showcase in Virginia.

Filip Nyberg

Florida Eels Spotlight Elite forward, Filip Nyberg. 2008, Swedish native, Nyberg joins the Eels this season after playing U16 Division 1 in Sweden, staring in 25 games, having 16 goals, 10 assists for a total of 26 points. Nyberg reported to Fort Myers, mid August for the Florida Eels four week pre-season training camp. During the opening weekend series, Nyberg claimed three points in two games! Nyberg was able to claim his first goal of the season, along with two assists. Nyberg was an essential asset for the Florida Eels two game victory over the Atlanta Mad Hatters, and we look forward to seeing him in action this weekend at the Southeast Showcase in Virginia.

“Just getting started,” is the message that permeates the locker room, as the Eels gear up for another long weekend of hockey, at the Southeast Showcase in Virginia (September 28-Semptember 30^th). After 29 advancements to the collegiate hockey, a predominately new squad of Eels have come together, buying into the Eels culture, worth ethic and systematic play. The Eels dominated during their Opening Weekend against the Atlanta Mad Hatters, but their work is far from finished.

The Eels reported back to work, on Tuesday morning, September 17^th 2024, in preparations for their highly competitive schedule at the Southeast Showcase. The Eels will face-off against some of the most talented teams of the Southeast Division: Potomac Patriots, Hampton Roads Whalers, Charlotte Rush, and Red River Spartans to name a few. The Eels have not taken this challenge lightly, and have re-evaluated their game from this past weekend alone. What improvements need to be made? How can they take it to the next level.

Like the linage of Eels teams that preceded them, the Eels 2024-2025 teams are deep with talent and skill set. They are ready to make their mark and claim titles. Rich with the Eels work ethic, the Eels players are dedicated to making sure they are prepared for the upcoming showcase. Get ready to watch the Eels as both teams have their first games against the Potomac Patriots on September 28^th.  See below for more Game times, and complete Showcase schedule. Let’s Go Eels!

The Eels Premier team showed the fruits of their efforts garnered from their 4 week training camp allowing them to capture two solid wins against their Florida Division foes – the Atlanta Mad Hatters. For well over a decade and a half the Eels have brought their players into season in Mid-August to provide them with the opportunity to get ready for the season. Eels players descend to  the Fort Myers area from all across the Globe. The Florida Eels Organization are strong believers, that it is more than just playing hockey. The key to success is to get the boys together, get acquainted, and develop comraderies, in addition to providing an intense physical training and fostering and facilitating good mental well being.

The Florida Eels begin their season with Pre-Season Training camp. Where players report and train for three weeks, 5+ hours per day, 7 days a week. When players report there are have been no final decisions, on team placement. The focus is on adjustment, and development. For it is more important to develop a foundation, a culture and work ethic. During this time the coaching staff and management team assess players on all facets both on-ice and off-ice, continually making assessments and re-assessments, as to where the best fit for each player is for the beginning of the season. The coaching team comprised of: 6 coaches and scouts, are all present to help with the so many ingredients needed for the season.

In addition to the intensive practices and workouts, it is important for the coaching team and scouts to evaluate the players on their game time decision making skills and play. How is this done? The Florida Eels have 5+ intersquad scrimmages, before the start of the actual season. These scrimmages are videoed; thus allowing coaches the opportunity to spend many hours assessing the players skill sets, developments, game time decision making and best fit. In addition to the intersquad scrimmages, many practices are videoed, so coaches have ample opportunity to evaluate the players.

General Manager Frank Scarpaci states, “one of my overall goals is to make sure our players are “November “ ready. This means players come out strong and hot ice on opening weekend.”  It is with this November ready concept in mind, that players, and coaches push themselves to come out strong and dedicated from the start of the season. The Florida Eels Premier was indeed November ready, as they showed up with an impressive clear, and sharp game for this weekends’ Home Opening Series against the Atlanta Mad Hatters.

With two games verses the Mad Hatters, the Florida Eels Premier put on an impressive display of what they are capable of. What needs to be underscored is that out of the 25+ players on the Eels Premier squad, only 3 were returning veterans. That is truly amazing. The coaches did an incredible job thus far in getting these players acquainted to our Eels systems, culture, and expectations. Although they have come a long way in 4 weeks, Coach Scarpaci echoed, “we still have quite a ways to go.”

Game One Recap:

In game one, Saturday, September 14^th, the Eels the Eels downed the Mad Hatters by a score of 5-3. The Eels unleashed 39 shots on the Mad Hatters goalie demonstrating a very explosive side of their game. Their forecheck was relentless. At times competing suffocating their opponents. With new goaltender, Japanese/Illinois native, Noah Van Herik between the pipes, the Eels lined up and were ready to face off against the Atlanta Mad Hatters. At 14:08 in  the first, Eels five-year veteran and Fort Myers Florida Native, Anthony Zebley assisted by Xavier Charron and Brendan Dohan scored the first goal of the season, and grabbed and early 1-0 lead for the Eels. Second Eels year veteran and Texas native, Alex Cochran assisted by Sixten Gidlund and Seth Morris came in hot taking the Eels second goal, at 18:48. The Eels left the first with a 2-0 lead over the Atlanta Mad Hatters. Atlanta Mad Hatters, trying to close the gap of the 2-0 lead, scored their first goal at 3:48 in the second. With the gap closed by 1, the Florida Eels, Alex Cochran assisted by Seth Morris and Teddy Feng, claimed goal number three at 12:02 in the second. The Eels forged ahead 3-1. The Mad Hatters, quickly responded as Francis Perham grabbed the Hatters second goal of the game, again closing the gap by 1. Eels leading 3-2, the Eels were quick to respond, with newcomer and Connecticut native, Kenny Granacker assisted by Vitkor Gogh and Blake Becker grabbed goal number four for the Eels at 12:52. With the Eels now leading 4-2, Alex Cochran strikes for the THIRD time, assisted by Seth Morris (for his third assist to Cochran) and Owen Blyth, at 15:07 in the second. At the end of the second, Eels lead 5-2. In the third, the Atlanta Mad Hatters, Matthew Hunter, grabs a third goal, closing the Eels lead by one. The Eels WIN 5-3 against the Atlanta Mad Hatters in their first game of the season.

Game Two Recap:

After an impressive showing in game one against the Atlanta Mad Hatters, the Florida Eels showed up determined to claim the second win, and sweep the series. This time, with new goaltender and Nova Scotia/Canadian native, Russ Decoste between the pipes for the Eels. Both the Florida Eels and the Atlanta Mad Hatters were determined to claim the first goal of the game, and keep the other team from drawing first blood. At 19:52 in the first, Atlanta Mad Hatters Boaz Sochaczevski, claimed the first point and the Hatters lead 1-0 over the Eels at the end of the first. However, the Eels fully ignited after the intermission, quickly at 3:06 grabbed their first goal, scored by, Eels newcomer and California native Seth Morris assisted by Alex Cochran and Ian Dracoulis. The Eels and Mad Hatters were tied 1-1. At 3:20, Eels newcomer and Slovakian native, Viktor Gogh assisted by Kenny Granacker and Blake Becker grabbed the Eels second goal. The Eels lead 2-1 over the Mad Hatters. Shortly, after Eels Anthony Zebley assisted by Fernando Moreno, secured the third goal of the game for the Eels pushing their lead by two (3-1). The Eels continued to maintain the lead, with Eels newcomer and Swedish native Maximilian Ideström assisted by Jacob Ideström and Seth Morris, gaining goal four at 9:41 in the second, and newcomer and Swedish native, Jacob Ideström assisted by Seth Morris, and Kenny Granacker securing goal five for the Eels at 12:36 in the second. With a resounding 5-1 lead over the Atlanta Mad Hatters, Alex Cochran assisted by Fernando Moreno and Brendan Dohan claimed the Eels sixth and final goal at 14:22 in the second. The Atlanta Mad Hatters, Francis Perham, claimed their second goal of their second goal of the game at 18:02 in the second. The Eels lead 6-2 at the end of the second. The Eels and Mad Hatters continued to battle throughout the third period, regardless of no points being scored through the remainder of the game. The Eels claimed a 6-2 victory over the Mad Hatters.

With three returning Premier veterans among the Eels squad, we saw an impressive rise of new talent among the Eels group. Along with newcomers such as Morris, Gogh, M. Ideström, J. Ideström, Granacker, Moreno, Gildlund grabbing points and making their names known. We also saw, Alex Cochran capture a five point weekend. Cochran, who moved up this season from the Eels Elite last season, opened the weekend getting a hattrick in his first Premier game!  The Eels coaches were very happy with the overall teams performance. Coach Scarpaci stated, “we knew we had a solid group of guys. We spent months scouting and recruiting these players, buut there is always a question on how they would integrate and play as a team.” The Eels Premier is claiming their spot, and making it known just like the teams that preceded them, the 2024-2025 Eels Premier Squad will be amongst the best! The Eels Premier prepare for their next big games, which will be played at the Southeast Showcase in Virginia the weekend of September 27-September 30^th.