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The Florida Eels have put a record number of players in college and university hockey over the last decade, 365 to be exact. This year alone the Florida Eels have placed 29 players in NCAA, ACHA, and AAU collegiate hockey. The Eels are an esteemed organization that is known for their player development, and ability to find the right fit for their players post junior hockey.

Although, highly competitive, having made over 7 USPHL National appearances finishing either as Semi-Finalists, or Finalists in the last four years, the Eels pride themselves on something even greater: preparing players for their future hockey careers. The Eels have no doubt been very successful and are ranked highly in North American Hockey, drawing players in from all around the world: Sweden, Czech Republic, France, China to name just a few, they are also amongst the top at college placement.

The Florida Eels competitive in nature sit in the top tier in the country and in the Southern Region of Hockey. The United States Premier Hockey League, like the Florida Eels, prides itself in its ability to help players fulfill their college dreams. This 2023-2024 season, the USPHL has placed 319 players in NCAA, ACHA, and AAU hockey (252 from the Premier Division and 67 from the Elite Division).

The Eels are thrilled for another great season and getting our players ready for their futures.

The Florida Eels are excited to announce the college commitment of forward/defenseman and former Premier Captain Maverick Crupi to the University of Pittsburgh for the 2024-2025 season. Crupi played three seasons in the USPHL, the Charlotte Rush (21-22) before transferring to the Florida Eels mid-season, where he remained for the duration of his junior career (22-24). During his USPHL tenure Crupi stared in 124 games, had 41 goals, with 78 assists and a total of 119 points.

Crupi was the essential team player and truly played with tremendous passion, and heart each game. As Captain, Crupi lead the Eels Premier to a USPHL National appearance, where they finished as Semi-Finalists in 2023-2024. Crupi made additional appearances at the USPHL Nationals during his other two seasons with the Florida Eels. Crupi instilled the ethics, and morals of the Eels into the new players and returning players alike reminding them that it takes work, dedication, passion, and drive.

However, it wasn’t just Maverick’s on-ice presence that was felt by the Eels community, it was his charismatic nature with the young fans that was felt throughout the Eels Nation. Maverick often volunteered his time with the youth programs at the Fort Myers Skatium in Fort Myers, helping the hockey players of the future develop their skills, and passions. Crupi made an impact on all that came in his path and he will be missed by Eels Nation this season.

The Eels wish Maverick much success in his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh!

Florida Eels are excited to announce the college commitment of Dario Zikto to the University of Victoria in Canada for the 2024-2025 season. Zitko played two seasons in the USPHL Premier, Richmond Generals (22-23) and The Florida Eels (23-24). During his USPHL career Dario played in 60 games, scored 18 goals, had 22 assists, with a total of 40 points.

Zitko was a skilled forward for the Eels who trained hard and put in the work to continue his growth as a player. Dario the Canadian native will return to home to Canada to continue his hockey career at the University of Victoria. The Florida Eels wish him the best in his collegiate career.

The Florida Eels are excited to announce the college commitment of Premier Defenseman Landen Engles to Cleary University for the fall 2024-2025 season. Engles joined the Eels program in 2020 and remained an essential member of the Eels family for four seasons. Landen started his junior career with the Florida Eels Elite, where he became a grounding force and leader, earning the tile of Captain. It was with his determination, hard work, and skills that he worked his way to a top defensive spot on the Florida Eels Premier team. Although, a foundational member and leader on the Eels Premier, Engles continued to play a mentoring role amongst the Eels Elite, helping guide, motivate and inspire alike. Over the course of his four years with the Florida Eels Engles played in 121 games, scored 32 goals, had 72 assists with a total of 114 points.

Landen Engles states that he fondly remembers the time he spent with his teammates, and the memories he created with the boys. Engles appreciated the family like culture that the Eels cultivated, allowing the players to not only play the sport they love but truly feel like they are part of something bigger. It was that same culture that drew him to Cleary University. Visiting the campus, Landen quickly felt like it was “home”. It was then that he made his decision to join the University to continue his collegiate hockey career and gain an education in Business and finance.

Engles South Dakota original native, migrated to Southwest Florida with his family, where he joined the Eels program. Engles, is thankful for the tremendous support of his family, who continue to support his goals and dreams of playing college hockey. Landen knows that is because of their support that he was able to pursue the training and develop into the player he has become. Landen is excited about joining the Cleary family next season, and knows that his family will continue to support him, from Florida.

The Florida Eels know that Landen will continue to be an exemplary example of commitment, dedication, hard work and leadership amongst his new teammates. We wish him all the best in his colligate hockey experience and look forward to following his journey.

The Florida Eels coaches brought 3 teams to Massachusetts to compete in the Pro Am Pre Draft. The players get the chance to practice and scrimmage before the actual showcase games. The Eels brought its coaching staff as well as coaches from Canada and college coaches to assist with the weekend games. The players were not only there to compete on the 9 showcase games gaining exposure and visibility in front of over 100 college and junior coaches. The Eels also use this forum as a tryout for next season’s Eels Premier and Elite teams. The Eels coaches were extremely pleased with some of the players who joined us These were very tough games as the competition was against top teams in Canada and across the USA.

Florida Eels are excited to announce that Premier Goaltender Tobias Bell, commits to Towson University for the fall of 2024-2025. Bell joined the Florida Eels Premier in 2022, playing in 37 games, with 26 wins, and 7 losses in his two seasons. Bell was an influential member of the Premier team.

New York native will head Maryland, to attend Towson University in the fall after two years in Florida. Bell is very excited to play at the University and gain be apart of the campus and community. With his enthusiastic nature, Bell will add a spark and light the way for the Towson community.

Bell knows that it was his family’s support that allowed him to pursue his dreams, goals and passions, without it he would not be where he is today. Tobias enjoyed his time playing for the Eels and has many fond memories over the two seasons he was apart of the Eels community.

The Florida Eels are extremely excited for Tobias, and wish him the very best at Towson next season.

Florida Eels are excited to announce the college commitment of Premier Defenseman Braeden Bzovey to SUNY Oswego for the fall 2024-2025 season. Bzovey joined the Florida Eels in 2021 where he played in over 61 games, scored 6 goals, 27 assists and had a total of 33 points.

Canadian native moved to Florida to persue his junior hockey dreams. Bzovey spent the time, and gave the dedication to transform into one of the Premier teams top defensemen over the course of his time with the Florida Eels. Bzovey’s work ethic propelled him to take major strides from a leading point man on the Florida Eels Elite to a power defenseman on the Premier.

Bzovey credits his success to the support of his family, in allowing him to chase his dreams of playing junior hockey, and now attend college in the states. Bzovey will head to New York this fall, to attend Oswego. He is extremely excited to participate in their hockey program and gain an exceptional education from their university.

The Florida Eels wish Braeden much success in his collegiate hockey career! We know he will continue to represent the Eels family, and we look forward to seeing what he accomplishes.