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Florida Eels Sweep the Florida Cup

This weekend the Florida Eels Elite and Premier team competed in the first inaugural Florida Cup. The Florida Cup showcases the four Florida based teams: Palm Beach Typhoon, Tampa Bay Juniors, Florida Jr. Blades and the Florida Eels, as they compete to win title of top team based in Florida.

Despite trying times in the Southwest Florida community due to Hurricane Ian, hockey players in Florida were itching to get back to the game they love. As some teams prepared in their normal settings both the Florida Jr. Blades and the Florida Eels had to find alternative arrangements as their training facilities underwent reconstruction due to minor damage from the storm. The Eels embraced this challenge and used the obstacles to further develop their bond as a team and with community. Eels regained home ice advantage earlier in the week, and it felt good to be home.

Preparations for the upcoming weekend Florida Cup completion were underway, and the Eels had a fire within to show the world we are back baby and we are coming for that title!

And that they did!

The Florida Eels Elite faced off first against the Palm Beach Typhoon, battling for control of the game. They kicked the rust off, after two weeks without a game winning 6-1. They next battled the Tampa Bay Juniors who matched them goal for goal, throughout the entire game. With three minutes left to spare, Justin Deshaies scored lighting up the lamp pushing the Eels ahead 5-4, clenching the Florida Cup championship.

The Florida Eels premier, also battled the Palm Beach Typhoon first. Despite their 8-4 win, the game was fast and Palm Beach was relentless in their efforts to avenge each goal gained by the Eels. Sunday the Eels advancing to the championship game, faced off against the Tampa Bay Juniors. Both teams eager to play against each other, the Eels stepped on the ice with a confidence and calm that surprised most. They were bought in and played their game. Eels pulled off the win at 5-0.

Despite the added adversity that was given to the Florida Eels and Fort Myers community the boys were bought in and ready to show the world they are still a contending team for the National Championship later this season. Eels currently hold the Florida Cup champion title in both divisions but have made it very clear they are aiming for another cup this season.

Meet Our Florida Eels Premier Boys From Alberta, Canada

The Western Canada influence of the Florida Eels …..

The Eels who are synonymous to being global is underscored by the number of players from our Northern border in Western Canada. Our Premier team captain and 4-year veteran of the Florida Eels is Easton Moore. He is from Red Deer Alberta. Easton is a young man who bleeds Black Green and White. He is one of the Eels most dedicated players. Loyalty runs through his veins. And when you see they are made up of “Ice Water”, Easton is our go to guy….he does not waiver or buckle under pressure. Coach Frankie echoes this kid has completely bought into the Eels program. It isn’t easy to play for the Eels. We expect unwavering commitment to the team, selfless individuals, guys with unsurpassed work ethic and 100% dedication to the team. They must have the willingness to abstain from vices. Our players acknowledge we have a “Goal” but it takes far more than hope to win… to reach our mission. More than hard work. Easton has these intangibles.

Moreover, Easton pushes his players to reach those ends. Other teams practice 3 maybe if they are lucky 4 days per week. One hour per day. Our coaches and our captains know that won’t cut it here. As captain Easton demands his guys follow suit. That means 4+ hours of training 5 days per week and then some if it is an off weekend. And with a calm, cool and collective guy as Easton at the helm, he does not need to be dictatorial. Oh know. That is not his style. He talks clearly but firmly. About our rich legacy. Our tradition, Our accomplishments. 11 straight Divisional Titles 11 straight playoff champions 11 straight National appearances. And if that does not give you goose bumps and make you buy in then nothing will. You simply would not be an Eel. But if you are not in….you are out.

Easton is a prodigy of two elite programs in Alberta: The West Central Tigers and the Hockey Central Panthers. There he developed his foundation and his work ethic. Nothing short of leaving everything on the ice would be acceptable. Easton has phenomenal skill set, is a very good skater, has outstanding stick control, and a nose for the net. When not scoring he is setting someone up. His back checking smothers his opponents and forecheck is equally suffocating.

When Hurricane Ian struck Fort Myers, he led his team in helping neighbors and those impacted by the Hurricane in boarding up houses, cleaning up homes and businesses. Nobody told them to, they just did what was right…..

A total package. He is NCAA bound. When you get a chance stop by and say hello.

Our second young man from Alberta, Canada is Damon Kiyawasew. A second-year veteran of the Florida Eels Premier team from Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada. Damon is probably the most high energy and most exciting player in the organization. No doubt he is not only the spark plug to ignite his fellow teammates, he is also the fuel and cannon that strikes the opposition hard and often with laser precision. In 6 games played he already has 7 goals. Damon has lightning like explosive speed. He also has more moves than they have on Dancing with The Stars. He simply undresses his opposing defensemen often leaving them standing like pylons. No doubt Damon has an insatiable appetite to score.

Damon does all this with that patterned Kiyawasew “Kiwi” smile. He loves the game. He loves his teammates. He loves every shift and equally loves practice. He would stay on for a double session every day if we let him. This young man lives, breathes and bleeds hockey. He came to the Eels last season and bought in 100% in our mission, our goal, and our task. Damon is a product of the Sherwood Park Oilers back home. There he had outstanding player development. And now he is taking his game to the entire new Next Level. Kiyawasew has enormous upside. There is no celling on his potential. He is a high character individual. This was evidenced by his selfless assistance to so many unfortunate neighbors who were hit hard by Hurricane Ian. Kiwi was amongst the leaders helping those with their homes and businesses getting their lives back together. He is another example of the type of player we garner from Alberta, Canada. If you have not had the chance to meet him stop by.

The third member of the Alberta is Kayde Budgell from Bentley, Alberta Canada. He too is a second year veteran of the Eels Premier team. Like Easton Moore, Kayde is also a by-product of the West Central Tigers minor hockey program is Western Canada. Truly this is one of the premier player development programs in Western Canada and Kayde is a living example of this. He is a very smooth skater Excellent skills set. A Patrice Bergeron type player. He can score, set guys up and deny opponents and scoring chances with his defensive abilities. A truly complete player. Budgell has great vision and when you think he is going east he goes west. He can score with only 6 inches of open space. Kayde is a very shifty and very deceptive player and that makes him most dangerous to play against..

Kayde’s character is impeccable. He is the ultimate team guy. Selfless. Hard working. Dedicated and plays with an unwavering willingness to win. He possesses the highest of compete levels. He is the ultimate Eel. Kayde understands the Eels want to do more than win. With us, it is more than playing that game. It is a culture. Something that is part of a long rich and storied legacy. He loves being part of it. It means eating sleeping and immersing yourself as an Eel. We go out to dominate. But we do so with pride and dignity.

Nowhere else was this exemplified than after Hurricane Ian. Kayde and a group of his teammates, spear-headed Hurricane recovery for many of his Fort Myers neighbors and businesses that they never knew or met before. It was about being a caring human being. And this came from a young man who never experienced a hurricane before in his life. So aside from being one of the top forwards in the entire USPHL, Kayde Budgell is also one of the top young men in the league. As much as Kayde is proud to be an Eel we are equally proud and honored he is with our program.
Stop by to meet Kayde and say hello.

Last but not least is our newest member to the Eels from Alberta, Canada is Liam Hennessey. Liam is from Calgary AB. whereas the other 3 young men are from the Edmonton area. This always make for interesting discussion: The Oilers or the Flames for Canadian NHL Supremacy.

This is Liam’s first year with the Eels. Eels Premier Coach Frankie Scarpaci and GM Scarpaci had been targeted Liam for a couple of years. Liam played for the Eels at the New England Pro Am Pre Draft Showcase in May and we were convinced Liam would be a perfect fit to join the Eels. No doubt he has proven everything we expected.

Liam is a power forward. Excellent skater with quick acceleration. Very strong on his skates. Powerful in the gym. He drives hard to the net. Players with a little bit of abandon heart, no fear, all business. He will push hard to the net and make things happen. He is a by- product of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats, the CBHA Blackhawks U18 AA and the CBHA Rangers U18 AA minor hockey programs in Calgary. There he developed excellent fundamentals. He brings enormous energies to the Eels. Liam plays with confidence and high expectations of himself and teammates. Liam has a high hockey IQ and it shows in his play with and away from the puck.

What impressed us so much about Liam was his willingness and desire to do whatever it takes to win. You see with Liam, he goes beyond wanting to win. Afterall everybody wants to win. The difference between good hockey players and great hockey players is whether you are 100% committed to do what it takes to win? Liam is always willing to do whatever it takes to advance his game to the Next Level. You don’t often find a player willing to train an extra hour or two each day, to shoot pucks 150 extra times a day. To be 100% dialed in. He realizes it is not enough to have goals and want to win our Division, the playoffs, advance to Nationals and win it all and ultimately play college hockey. You must be the most dedicated, determined and committed player. That means putting in the extra time. Not with just lip service. With action….He has bought in to the Eels platform.

He has a great personality. Always willing to jump in and help the staff and his teammates. Liam loves being part of the Eels legacy and is looking to make his own mark. Come by and say hello to Liam. You will see his positive attitude is contagious.

This coming weekend, the Fort Myers, Fla.-based Florida Eels will play host to all four USPHL Florida teams at the Fort Myers Skatium in both the Premier and Elite Divisions. The opponents are established by last year’s final regular season seedings.

The Florida Eels finished last season in first place in both the Premier and Elite Divisions. Palm Beach was the fourth seed in both, and therefore the Eels will square off against the Palm Beach Typhoon this coming weekend in Round 1 of the event.

The Tampa Juniors finished in second place last season, and the Florida Jr. Blades ended in third place. Therefore, Tampa will play the Junior Blades next weekend in Round 1.

The games played at the Florida Cup are not showcase-style games, but regular season games with full warm-ups and complete 20-minute periods with full overtime if needed. Round one will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. The Eels Elite team will play the Typhoon at 10 a.m.The Eels Premier team will play Saturday at 1 p.m. against the Typhoon. The Tampa Juniors will square off against the Jr Blades Elite at 4 p.m. and their USPHL Premier teams meet at 7:00 p.m.

Round 2 will be played on Sunday Oct. 23. The Florida Cup Festival is set up like an NCAA college competition. In Round 2, we will have the winners of Round 1 square off in each Division and in the consolation games, the two teams last lost in Round 1 in each Division will square off. The Sunday schedule is to be set Saturday evening between the owners of each organization in an effort to accommodate travel for Palm Beach and Tampa. The game slots will be the same – 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Watch the websites USPHLPremier.com and USPHLElite.com on Saturday for up-to-date schedules.

These games will count in the regular season standings for both the USPHL Premier and USPHL Elite.

The USPHL Florida Cup

Next weekend the Florida Eels play host to the Florida teams at the Fort Myers Skatium in both the Premier and Elite Divisions. The opponents are established by last year final regular season seedings. The Florida Eels finished last season in first place in both the Premier and Elite Division. Palm Beach was the last seed in both therefore the Eels will square off against the Palm Beach Typhoon this coming weekend in round one of the event.

The Tampa Juniors finished in second place last season. The Florida Junior Blades ended in third place. Therefore, Tampa will play the Jr Blades next weekend in round one.

Round one will take place on Saturday October 22nd 2022. The Eels Elite team will play the Typhoon at 10:00 am. These are not showcase style games. These are regular season games. A full warm ups, complete 20 minute periods full overtime if needed. The Eels Premier team will play at 1:00 pm against the Typhoon. The Tampa Juniors will square off against the Jr Blades Elite at 4:00 pm and their premier teams meet at 7:00 pm

Round two will be played on Sunday October 23rd. The Florida Cup Festival is set up like NCAA college competition. In round two we will have the winners of round one square off in each Division and in the consolation games the two losing teams in each Division will square off. The schedule is to be set Saturday evening between the owners of each organization in an effort to accommodate travel for Palm Beach and Tampa. The game slots will be the same. 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

These games will count in the standings.

The first of Dan K’s 2022 Power Rankings Announced and the Florida Eels Elite team was ranked #4 in the entire Elite Division. Top in Florida

Way to go guys….. We are tough to beat ……National contenders this early in the season.

On the Elite Side of things, Who Are those Mask Men?

Evan Spinella out of Farmingville, NY, comes as a 4 year veteran of the USPHL. Wow. Where do you find a kid with such depth and experience? Moreover, a top netminder for the Tampa Juniors for 3 seasons. The Eels knew him quite well. Many of battles with the two preeminent teams in the Florida Division Eels vs Tampa and Spinella was largely responsible for the wins Tampa scored. Evan brings not only experience and veteran status he also brings outstanding skill set. He sees the puck well, excellent vision, quick feet and a strong glove. He controls rebounds. Evan already notched 2 wins No losses. Flawless play. This kid is college bound. The Eels know this and we are quite verse in college placement.

As a young man we are so thrilled he joined our Eels program. He is personable, determined and dedicated to his position and team. Indeed, a true team player. Strong character and all about being part of the team. Has bought into the Eels work ethic and culture.

Nate Haas. Another 3rd year veteran of the USPHL joining the Eels in net. He is from Virginia Beach VA. He comes with a wealth of experience and has proven to the task with 2 straight wins and no losses. He is a solid student of the game. Very confident. Determined and quite dedicated. He has excellent rebound control. Quick glove. Controlled rebounds and great butterfly pro like saves.

The Haas family is no foreign to the Eels, Nate’s brother also migrated from the Hampton Road Whalers and became an key component of his team’s winning season. Nate played quite well against the Eels last season in brick house efforts. He joined us two seasons in the post season at the Chowder Cups and Pre Drafts and we were impressed and no what he can deliver. He is a great character individual who comes from a great family.

Raphael LaRose

A 2004 rookie goalie from Repentigny, QC, CAN A young man who the Eels had under their radar for over a year. He was heavily scouted and recruited at the USPHL Pre Draft Showcase in Boston this past summer and the Eels coaches and General Manager were indeed quite impressed. A prototypical Quebec butterfly netminder. Strong skill set quick feet and a laser glove. He demonstrates outstanding work ethic and determination He has 2 wins to his credit in this young season. Very coachable. He has enormous upside. Very focused on getting to college.

This is a very personable young man. Always willing to lend a hand help the coaches and fellow teammates. Goes the extra mile on everything he does. He is like a sponge: Focused attentive and has the unwavering commitment to be the best. Clearly the Eels future star.

Loic St-Denis-Lacombe

Loic is also from Quebec Canada (Rouyn-Noranda, QC, CAN). He too is a 2004 rookie who came highly recommended by our Canadian scouts. Another Quebec style prototype a strong butterfly netminder who is extremely competitive and has an unwavering commitment to be the best. He is a true student of the game. Very disciplined in his mental preparation to his game. He is patient does not overly react. He is calm and cool in net. He challenges the shooters has a quick glove and snap like pads Good rebound control.

He has a team friendly personality. Good natured Hard working. Very outgoing. Determined to get to the Next Level Willing to make sacrifices to get there. Very coachable.

Who Are The Mask Men Backstopping the Premier team?

For years the Eels goaltenders have dominated in the USPHL. Last season one of our netminders was referred to by Dan K as the “Best Goalie on the Planet” On the Elite team our goaltenders had incredible records notching 13 and 14 shutouts respectfully between them. Several of our goalies played in the World Juniors. One of our goalies was on the NHL “Watch List to be drafted” Another went off to play in The USA National Development team.

Well, who are these “back stoppers” this year on the Premier side?

Well in the forefront is none other than Duncan Rolleman from New Hamburg ONT. Canada. A 2nd year veteran of the Florida Eels. Duncan is a big guy at 6’6” 235 lbs. he takes up a lot of net. He supports that size with phenomenal skill set. Despite his size he has incredible quickness. Lightning glove and swift pads. He plays with a high compete level and has a high hockey IQ. Very disciplined on and off the ice. A true student of the game. When you talk with this young man you get to know him. Great personality. Very respectful. He is very dedicated to his team and extremely determined. Although he is very intense you can see he does not get overly excited. He knows how to relax and play cool. Does not get flustered. He is ultimate team player. He comes in this year as a veteran. He garnered significant experience last season as he partnered to backstop the Eels to a Divisional title, Playoff Championship and advancing to the Semi-Finals at Nationals.

This season Duncan is looking to create his own legacy. He is looking to continue with the Eels success of winning 11 Divisional Titles and Playoff Championships. He is hungry to win. His focus is not just to advance to Nationals but his mission is to win it all. To bring the National Gold to Fort Myers. You can see the fire in his eyes. These are not lofty goals for him. It is deeply engrained in his DNA

Jake Mork out of Neenah, WI,

A 3rd year veteran of the Eels Great size at 6’2” 175 pounds. Talk about veteran status: He has it. He has tremendous skill set and has the stats to back it up.

Last year in 18 games he 1.88 GAA and a .938 Sav.% He had 13 shutouts. He had incredible numbers in High School with a 1.70 GAA He has been groomed for this. The Eels are not an easy team to play for and Jake realizes this. We treat it like college. You have to perform. No gimmees. He was feared last year by every team he faced knowing that a shutout is likely to come about. Even in the playoffs they blanked the Mad Hatters throughout the series, “Icewater” runs in his veins. Plays with a very high compete level and cool as cucumber Last year he stonewalled his team to a Divisional Championship and Playoff Championship and a berth to Nationals. This year he is looking to go the distance. He does not just want to go to the Prom He wants to Dance so to speak and that means “WIN IT ALL”

As an individual, Jake is a high character young man. Tremendous work ethic. Best team guy. Always respectful. Very determined to win,. Funny personality. All about the Eels.

Tobias (Toby) Bell. Toby comes to the Eels as a 2003 rookie from Summit, NJ. At 6’0 165 lbs. he is fast and possess outstanding skill set. He was scouted by the Eels for 2 years. We liked what we saw and Toby joined the Eels over the Spring and Summer in the Eels Pre Draft and Sr, Chowder Cup series. We were extremely impressed with his performance and knew with bringing him in we could advance him to the Next Level. We can see he plays with an extraordinary high compete level Sees the puck very well. Has outstanding reelects, strong rebound control and lightning-fast pad saves and glove. And Stops The Puck!!! He too plays cool calm and collective. He has the burning desire to win. You can tell this kid loves the game and the game loves him.

As an individual he posses the highest of character. Salt of the earth individual. He is earnest and a strong team player.

Stay tuned for more feature stories on your Florida Eels

Well, folks we want to wish everyone who supported our players billet families and staff during this very trying time of battling Hurricane Ian. It was indeed, an incredibly difficult time for all of our players and billet families. Our players jumped in to help those in need in our community. We are so proud of our players who took the bull by the horn and did some incredible work helping our neighbors, businesses and many those inflicted by the hurricane.

The USPHL honored all of the Florida Eels and the Jr Blades with Player of the Week status in recognition of their perservance  with Hurricane Ian

On Monday the boys all arrived at the Skatium and started their training. First with off ice Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday they start their ice sessions. The Eels teams ironically enough,  are both still in 1st place in their Division.

The Premier team is in 1st place with 13 points over the Jr Blades with 10 points.

The Elite team is in 1st place with 12 points with Tampa in 2nd place with 9 points.

Both Eels teams play next weekend at home as the Fort Myers Skatium is hosting the 1st annual Florida Cup. There the Eels, Palm Beach Typhoon, the Jr Blades and the Tampa Juniors with battle for top dog in Florida  in both the Elite and Premier Divisions.