Category: Uncategorized

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.

 

 

Florida Eels Elite team had an impressive opening weekend, as they claim the weekend with two wins against the Atlanta Mad Hatters. Florida Eels Elite put their three weeks of intensive pre- season training to the test this past weekend, as they opened with a double header against the Atlanta Mad Hatters. Eels veterans and newcomers alike were dialed in and focused as they prepared for this weekends’ events, and were ready to make it known the Florida Eels Elite intends to be a contender this season.

Game One Recap:

Opening weekend for the Florida Eels Elite began on Saturday September 14, 2024 with the puck drop at 7:00 pm. The Florida Eels gained an extraordinary 6-2 WIN over the Mad Hatters. With New Jeresey native, Ethan Rotante, between the pipes for the first time this season for the Florida Eels, the players lined up to take the ice. The game opened with the first goal of the season scored at 16:08 in the first by rookie, former Florida Warrior, Dominick Dantona, assisted by Ty Elzinga and Colin McMahon. The Atlanta Mad Hatters responded with their first goal at 19:22 scored by Andrew Hale. The game was tied 1-1 at the end of the first. At 2:46 in the second period, four-year Eels veteran, and Canadian native Jackson Carnes scored the second point for the Florida Eels, goal assisted by Paxton Campbell and Asher Hamlin. Goal three was grabbed by the Florida Eels at 9:35 of the second period, scored by Swedish native and Eels rookie, Filip Nyberg, goal assisted by Yiorgos Bikakis and Dominic Doyle. Eels fourth goal was secured at 15:43 of the second period, scored by Eels Rookie and Central Florida native, Asher Hamlin assisted by Tyson Gagnon. The Eels lead the game 4-1 at the end of the second period. At 7:05 in the third, Eels second year veteran and South Florida native, Zayn Haddon-Harris , assisted by Sam Kleimen-Lee and Jackson Carnes, slid the puck into the net to secure the Eels fifth goal of the game. At 13:23 in the third period, Eels rookie and Candian native, Konnor Betrand, assisted by Yiorgos Bikakis, and Dominc Doyle secured the Eels sixth and final goal of the night. The Mad Hatters, grabbed their second goal of the evening, scored by Joseph Rebone at 16:31. The Eels secured a predominant 6-2 over the Mad Hatters, and the ignition was lit.

Game Two Recap:

After an impressive lead on Saturday morning. the Florida Eels Elite returned on Sunday, September 15^th, 2024 to take on the Atlanta Mad Hatters. The Eels had a fire in their blood, and an ache in their bones to grab, the second win-sweeping the Atlanta Mad Hatters in the opening weekend. This time, Eels Goaltender and Bulgarian native, Filip Vitanov, was set between the pipes and players lined up to face off. At 1:06 in the first the Atlanta Mad Hatters Ethan Barber, scored the first goal of the game and grabbed the lead over the Eels. At 4:06 in the first the Eels responded as Florida native, Robert Gull assisted by Stepan Kuznets, and Tyson Gagnon tied the game 1-1. At 6:06 in the first period, Eels second year veteran and Fort Myers native, Dominic Doyle assisted by Filip Nyberg and Yiorgos Bikakis, scored the Eels second goal. Eels now in the lead 2-1. At 12:03 in the first Canadian native, Tyson Gagnon assisted by Stepan Kuzents and Sam Kleimen-Lee grabbed the Eels third goal, taking the Eels lead 3-1. The Atlanta Mad Hatters, responded at 14:03 in the first period, when Onrii Dalgity, scored the second goal for the Atlanta Mad Haters. The game was at a close 3-2 at the end of the first period. As the second period began, the Atlanta Mad Hatters Andrew Hale scored, tying up the game at 2:47. At 13:07, Atlanta Mad Hatters, Onrii Dalgity grabbed his second goal of the game, and the Atlanta Mad Hatters gained the lead, for the first time over the Florida Eels. However, second year veteran and Central Florida native, Yiorgos Bikakis, assisted by Zachary Bahret and Filip Nyberg, responed quickly at 13:41 tying up the game once again. At the end of the second the Florida Eels and the Atlanta Mad Hatters were locked into a stalemate 4-4. Both teams came out ready, and determined to take the game victory in the third period. At 6:39, four-year veteran and Canadian native, Jackson Carnes assisted by Paxton Campbell and Robert Gull claimed the Eels fifth goal. The Eels maintained the lead for the remainder of the game, winning 5-4 against the Atlanta Mad Hatters.

The Florida Eels veterans and newcomers alike made their presence known as they scored a total of 11 goals, over the course of two games. New talent flourished as returning talents continued to prove their worth on the ice. It should be noted that the Mad Hatters squad was solid. This was one of the best Elite teams the Florida Eels have played against from Atlanta over the last several years. Their players had solid skill set and were very disciplined. These were not easy games. We were very proud of the Eels determination fortitude and unwavering focus to stay the course.  It was an impressive showing of the Eels ability to dominate and overcome obstacles to come back and win strong. The Eels Elite definitely left their mark, stating they will be a team to contend with this season. The Eels Elite, will play their next games in a little over a week, when they head to the Southeast Showcase in Virginia.

 

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping showdown as the Florida Eels take on the Atlanta Mad Hatters in their Season and Home Openers! This weekend, on September 14th and 15th, witness the clash between two powerhouse teams in the USPHL Florida Division. The Eels are back for their 21st season, ready to dominate the competition once again. With a history of finishing at the top of their division and making impressive playoff runs, the Eels are gearing up for an epic showdown. This season brings a wave of new talent from around the globe, adding to the excitement and anticipation. Join us at the rink this weekend to welcome the new players, reconnect with returning veterans, and kick off what promises to be another unforgettable season. The Eels have been training hard and are eager to carve out their own path and continue the legacy of success. Don’t miss out on the action! Game times for the Premier and Elite teams will be announced soon. Get ready to witness the passion, determination, and pure hockey magic as the Eels set the ice on fire this season.

September 14, 2024

Premier 4:00 pm

Elite 7:00 pm

September 15, 2024

Elite 9:00 am

Premier 12:00 pm

 

We are so excited about the start of the season, but we know that you are anxiously awaiting when your player can return home for a break. Please note the following times are alloted for your players return home:

11/23/ 2024-12/1/2024. Players must return back on the 1st, as all practices and workouts will continue on 12/2/2024 as normal.

12/23/2024-12/31/2024. Players need to return back on 1/1/2025 at the latest!

Players are expected to be at practice on 1/2/2025, no exceptions. As we prepare for the Tampa Showcase. 

We know you are excited to make tickets for your player to join your family for the hoildays, please note that players are expected to adhere to the following break schedule and exceptions will not be allowed. Thank you so much.

Press Release from the USPHL

Season Opener: Sept. 14 vs. Atlanta MadHatters

The Eels certainly welcomed the new competition presented by the Bold City Battalion and were locked for much of the season in a fight for first in the regular season with their new rivals in Jacksonville and the Tampa Bay Juniors as well.

The Eels, with a long history of development and advancement to their name, are ready to come back for another go-round with the above teams and all other opponents in their multi-pronged mission of on-ice and advancement success.

“Our expectations for our group remain the same as they’ve been for years: get our way of working established when it comes to our practice and day to day and focus on getting better,” said Head Coach Frank Scarpaci III. “We want to win a lot of games and push for a Florida Division and National title, but that all starts with our Monday through Friday. There are a lot of new players, a lot of room for growth, and we just want steady progression to make a push at the end of the season.”

The Eels may have a number of new players, but they will be led on the ice by forward Anthony Zebley, entering his fourth Premier season and fifth overall Eels campaign.Fellow veterans include ‘04 defensemen Brendan Dohan and Jack Daher, as well as ‘05 forward Teddy Feng. All the returning veterans “have taken a significant step in their game,” said Coach Scarpaci.

From around the USPHL, the Eels have also welcomed in veterans Seth Morris, Owen Peters, Robin Kuusik and Ian Dracoulis.

“They all have quality junior experience within our league and we expect them to grab a hold of big roles this upcoming season,” added Scarpaci. “We’re also lucky enough to have some experienced goaltenders Russ Decoste (from the NOJHL) and Noah van Herik (NA3HL), both coming from other leagues, as well.”

The Premier team is also excited to be bringing up forward Alex Cochran and Reid Wilson from the Eels’ USPHL Elite squad.

“They know the organization and structure so far and have adjusted to the pace through practice so far,” added Scarpaci.

The Eels always spend a ton of hours, days and really months doing the work of recruiting and scouting, so don’t be surprised to see newcomers playing a big part in the Eels’ fortunes this year.

“We definitely have more youth this year, and that’s exciting for us,” said Scarpaci. “Some new, young energy is exciting for us so far. The ’06 trio of Xavier Charron, Kaler Ashton and EHL veteran Fernando Moreno have had an excellent camp and have added some depth to our group.”

The Florida Eels are to finish their appearance in the Chowder Cup series at the Pro Am Junior Chowder Cup this weekend. The Eels have made appearances at both the Mini Chowder Cup and the Senior Chowder cup over the past few weeks, and are excited about another completive weekend of hockey.

The Eels will begin their showcase run, with a practice and scrimmage to better prepare players for the upcoming games. The Eels staff have been working long and hard, at evaluating players from around the globe and helping them advance their careers both at the junior level and collegiate level. With a highly qualified staff, the Eels are able to help players find the best place for their future hockey dreams.

As participatants of the Junior Chowder Cup gear up for the weekend, we urge that you continue to check the official Pro Am Chowder Cup website, for game updates and changes. As game times, locations and opponents are subject to change per the Pro Am Chowder Cup administration discretion. You can continue to check for updates at:

https://proamhockey.com

 

The Eels look forward to finishing strong in the Chowder Cup series this weekend. Let’s Go

Florida Eels take part in the 40^th Anniversary of the Pro Am Senior Chowder Cup Series in Massachusetts. The Florida Eels have three teams participating in the Pro Am Senior Chowder Cup Summer event, one in the Junior A Division and two teams in the College Open. Players from around North America and Europe come together to showcase their talents for the Florida Eels, Junior Coaches, and College Scouts.

Players for the Eels teams began yesterday with a series of practices and scrimmages to help better prepare them for the weekend events. Games for the Pro Am Senior Chowder Cup began today, Thursday, July 18th, 2024, with the Championships on Sunday, July 21^st, 2024. The Florida Eels expect to be competitive in the showcase.

The Florida Eels have been a staple in the Pro Am Chowder Cup series, dating back to the General Manager, Frank Scarpaci’s, participation with the Rhode Island Sharks and the Jr New England Whalers in the early 90s, before entering the Florida Eels teams over the past decade. General Manager Scarpaci states, “it’s an honor to be part of such an exceptional event. The Pro Am Chowder Cup Series provides a great opportunity for the Eels coaching staff to see and evaluate players from all over the world, while providing participants with continued exposure to colleges.” The Eels are known for their high-level competitive play and their advancement of 100s (365 with the Florida Eels Junior Hockey program alone) of players to college. General Manager Scarpaci states, “my players continue to have great success through their ability to showcase their talents in the Chowder Cup, allowing them incredible exposure to a plethora of college coaches, giving them a further advantage. In fact, 29 of our players advanced to college hockey this season.”

General Manager Frank Scarpaci and six of the Florida Eels coaching staff are present for the event, and look forward to seeing the participates of the Florida Eels Junior A and College Open teams compete over the next few days. Although, the Eels always aim for success, they measure their success not just by the scores on the scoreboard but by the number of players they have placed in college over the years. They are excited to see who will be added to this “score card”.