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The USPHL Southeast Showcase Eels Recap, By Eels contributing writer Joe Munroe

 

The Florida Eels Premier team faced off against the Hampton Roads Whalers on Friday night winning 1-0.   Although the 1st and 2nd periods remained scoreless,  Left Winger Adam Gaudet came in the clutch, scoring the winning goal at the 16:36 mark of the 3rd period, Assisted Collin Patterson (1), Easton Moore (4). Eels starting goaltender, Alexandre Caron didn’t allow any goals shutting out the Whalers. He had 26 saves on the night with another incredible performance. This was a solid win for the Eels Premier team. The Whalers are one of the top teams in the Southeast Division with a long and storied history with multiple National Championships in their past. Seeing the way they play we expect them to once again be a national contender.

 

The Eels Premier team had their work cut out for them this entire weekend. They had faced a double header on Saturday. Their first match was against one of the most physical teams in Junior hockey: The Richmond Generals. This team is not only physical they are stacked with very talented players. This was a up and down battle between both clubs. Both fore-checked hard and both equally smothered one another. It was a thrilling game for Eels fans   The Eels had a total of 36 shots. Eels rookie goalie Duncan Rolleman had 29 saves allowing only 1 goal.  Again, in the first period there wasn’t any scoring from either team. The second period   the Richmond Generals scored to make it 1-0. The Eels mounted a comeback in the 3rd period tying it 1-1, leading to a shootout. The two teams played 3 on 3 for 5 minutes and it remained tied. The teams went into a shootout.  Richmond scored and the Eels had to settle for a OTL and one point.

 

Several hours later the Eels Premier team put that game  behind them, as they completed their double header of the weekend; handling business against the Charlotte Rush. This was the game everyone was waiting for. A repeat of last season’s Nationals where the Rush were victorious. This was the Eels redemption. The game the Eels were to avenge their loss. HockeyTV was burning up. So many Eels alumni were tuned in.  Folks you could see it from the way the Eels players left their hotel; the manner in which they entered the rink.   It was in their eyes. They wore it on their faces. Folks in the building witnessed first hand the Eels warm up. These guys were professional in every way. The  intensity  determination and fortitude was immersed all arlund them. From the players to the coaching staff.

 

The Eels unleased   39 shots  on the Rush netminder David Battisti. He was the goalie who won it all for the Rush at Nationals. That was key for the Eels. On the otherhand the Eels kept

the Charlotte Rush  to only  21 shots on  their goalie  Alexandre Caron. And Caron did what he does best: He slammed shut the door for the second time this weekend shutting out the Rush. And that is why he is coined “Alexander the Great” He challenged each and every shot. Blanking their snipers. Turning away the wristers, back door attempts and slappers. He simply dominated.

But as Caron often echoes, it was his teammates who did the job and that they did.  It was all Eels on the scoresheet with Damon Kiyaesaw (1) scoring in the 1st period, assisting on the goal was Taurin Haddon-Harris (5), and Kayden Budgell (2). The 2nd period was followed up with another dominant period by the Eels. Cade Rosansky scored his 2nd goal of the season, assisting on the goal was Mark Phillips (1), and Oliver Karlstrom (2). It wasn’t long after in with   3rd period (1:36 minute  Kayde Budgell scored his third goal of the season, assisting Taurin Haddon-Harris (6), and Damon Kiyawasew (3).

 

On Sunday faced their remaining opponent for the weekend showcase. The Potomac Patriots. This Patriots team has to be one of the most improved teams in the Southeast Division. They have done an outstanding job in the off season recruiting new players. But the Eels fire power and defensive system proved to smothering and they over thawed any hopes of a Patriot win. Over the Eels.   The Eels defeated the Potomad Patriots 3-1 with a total of 27 shots on net. Goaltender Duncan Rolleman allowed only 1 goal on 14 saves, that goes to show you how strong our defense was all game. You could see after the 3 tough games earlier in the showcase the Eels were a bit tired but they did not waver on their mission or goal nor did they let up for a single second.  The Eels continued their scoring with Collin Patterson scoring his 3rd goal of the season, assisting Easton Moore (5), and Adam Gaudet (3). Eric Hambling and Collin Patterson led the way in the second period with Hambling scoring his 1st goal of the season and Patterson getting his 3rd assist. Moreover we witnessed another dominant 3rd period  by Damon Kiyawasew with his 2nd goal on the season, assisting on the goal was Taurin Haddon-Harris (7).

 

 

 

The Eels elite team also performed at a high level going 2-2 over the weekend. The Elite team won an impressive game over the very strong Hampton Road Whalers 2-1. This kicked things off quite well for the young guns. The Whalers have always been one of the USPHL’s most competitive programs and for the Eels to garner a solid win here was phenomenal. It wasn’t just the win, it was the way we played.

 

The Eels Elite faced a double header on Saturday like their Premier brothers and they too had to face off vs the Richmond Generals and the Charlotte Rush. Although the Elite team sustained 2 losses to those teams, the boys never quit. These two teams win the Nationals two seasons in a row in the Elite Conference. They had 75% returnees. For our guys it was “Baptism By Fire” It went a long way towards their player development as players and as a team. We are building our team shift by shift period by period game by game player by player. It is still very much a learning process. Indeed, it showed when we took on the Potomac Patriots in game 4 of the Showcase. We had scoring form 8 different players. A shutout on the weekend. In fact, in all 4 games the Elite scoring was pretty much a  balanced   attack by multiple players.

 

We want to say great job overall for both the Premier and Elite squads.

The Florida Eels Elite team squares off against their cross-town rivals – the Florida Junior Blades tomorrow night – Wednesday September 29th in a rear middle of the week game. The game time is 6:30 pm at the Fort Myers Skatium.  The Premier teams have it off. The Eels are coming off a solid weekend where they went 2-2 earning 4 points. They defeated the Hampton Road Whalers 2- 1 in game one of the USPHL Southeast Showcase. Then they lost to both the Richmond Generals 6-1 and Charlotte Rush 5-2 on Saturday in a double header. Those were two very tough competitors to face in a single day. The Whalers, the Generals and Rush were 3 solid teams who all recently won the USPHL Nationals over the past 3 years. The Eels had a comeback game on Sunday as they handed the Potomac Patriots a serious blow by a score of 8-0. Keep in mind that the Eels have not beaten the Patriots in 3 years. So, this was a satisfying win.

 

Thus far, the Eels Elite team  has been impressive on the season.  In 6 games they have earned 8 points. They are tied for 1st place with the Tampa Juniors in the standings. Moreover, Tampa has played one more game. The Junior Blades are sitting in 3rd place with 6 points. However, the Jr Blades have only played 4 games. Give credit to where credit is due. This has been a solid early season for the Blades thus far. They are a very much improved team.  They have added s solid coaching to their program. This early in the season they have generally not done well. This should be a solid matchup for both clubs.

 

The Atlanta Mad Hatters  are in 4th place and the new team in Palm Beach are in 5th with no points.

 

It is quite early in the season and quite frankly it bit to evaluate the strength of the teams and players. Coaches are still learning their players, players are still developing their skill set, learning the coach’s system and in many cases still getting used to playing Junior Hockey.  This is true with the Eels and Jr Blades. But it is exciting, nonetheless. A year ago, there were so many uncertainties and unknowns. Were the players safe? Was the season going to happen? How many games would we play? Well, the USPHL showed the hockey world we would overcome those obstacles. This season we still have many unknowns. However, things do look so much more optimistic.

 

We have seen some thrilling games in the 6 games before us. On the Eels there are so many new faces and many returnees. We are excited about the players on our Elite team and ask that you join us live or on HockeyTV tomorrow night. We always have very competitive and spirited games against the Jr. Blades whether at the Premier or Elite level. In fact, most would consider the Eels vs. Blades rivalry one of the best in Junior hockey. They are two great organizations, and we ask you to come and support these games.

Eels Premier team bit 1st in the 1st period but Atlanta  came roaring back 3-1 into the beginning of the 3rd period. Then the Eels came back hard with 4 unanswered goals in the 3rd period to topple the Madhatters 5-3.

The Florida Eels Elite team came off a “Shootout” win on Saturday evening. It was huge for the boys. Their first win of the season. Their Home Opener and Season Opener no less. It was a great feeling for many of the boys. Their first Junior game for many. Indeed, 18 players on the Eels roster who never played juniors prior to this game. Twenty-six who never played for the Florida Eels. This is like a brand-new team. So you could only feel and sense the anxiety, nervousness and enthusiasm in this locker-room and on the ice.

 

Well, they  were training for 4 weeks at the  Florida Eels training camp. But their training was primarily skill based. Only one week was attention placed with their team. But despite their young age and being a new group of guys, they did very well. In game one they took it to OT with a 2-2 end of regulation score vs the Atlanta Mad Hatters. The boys quickly discovered that the Mad Hatters were a solid club. And despite us putting the puck in the net twice,  Atlanta was a strong team and could equally score. The game went into OT. At the end of OT,  the 3 on 3 for 5 minutes the score remained 2-2. Dead even. Now the boys were getting a true taste of Junior hockey and how competitive our Florida Division really is. The game went into a shoot-out and at the end of the 3 man shoot-out, it still remained tied. So, it was forced into “Sudden Death.” The Eels came up victorious. What a phenomenal experience.

 

The Eels Elite garnered their first win. They had that one under their belt. And for many, so much of this was their first. Including a quick turn around with the next game Sunday morning 10:15 am. That was equally grinding. They appreciate now why they worked so hard on conditioning. Much of the past 4 weeks was conditioning. Early mornings. 5-6 hour days. 6 times 7-8 hour days. It was as much physical as well as mental training.

 

Well on Sunday, the boys were back and facing the Mad Hatters once again. This time they would face a Mad Hatters team ready to avenge their loss. They had resolve and determination. The Eels could not enjoy their win too long. No time for complacency. That was another lesson to be learned this weekend.

 

In game two the Eels came out even hungrier. For a young inexperienced team, they showed poise, determination, and fortitude. They struck early and often putting 5 pass the Mad Hatters netminder.  But they fell victim to taken a few shifts off and learned rather quickly how potent and well coached the Mad Hatters team was. They were determined as ever. Cagey and shifty. In fact, they put 3 passed the Eels veteran goalie and gave a scare to our squad. But the Eels conditioning and skill set overtook their Divisional rivals and the Eels came up on top 5-3.

 

The Eels  swept the weekend. They won both games. They earned 4 points. Tonight these guys are very excited. But they once again will have a short time to celebrate. They have a few days to prepare for the upcoming showcase in North Carolina. They square off against their rivals from the Southern Division, the Hampton Road Whalers, The Richmond Generals, the defending National Champs the Charlotte Rush and the Potomac Patriots.  These are all extremely formidable opponents. The Generals, the Rush and Hampton all won National Championships over the past recent years.  Additionally, Potomac has upset the Eels in these showcases repeatedly over the years. You can count on the Eels to bring their best game. They are 100% dialed in.

 

This is “Baptism by Fire”. Twenty teams in all will be there. Premier and Elite. This has been a well-attended showcase by college scouts. That will be a first for many of our guys as well.

We couldn’t have asked for a better scenario and schedule. We want to play the best. So, it will be done. And they will see how serious we are as well.

The Florida Eels Premier team like their brothers on the Elite team came into this weekend with quite a few unknowns. 19 new players. Yes 19 guys who never played for the Eels before. 6 rookies. This was their first set of games as a team. A home opener weekend. A season opener. We had 4 weeks of training camp. But there is a marked difference between training camp and games. This was their first real test. Inter squad scrimmages are never a true test for your players. The intensity and fortitude simply is not there no matter how hard to the coaches push and no matter how much the players play.

 

The stage was set.  The Atlanta Mad Hatters came to town for a weekend homestand. From the drop of the puck and continued through out the game you could see this Mad Hatters team was so much improved.  Much deeper. Physically Stronger. Faster. Better shooters.

 

On Saturday the Eels drew first blood. They were on the scoreboard leading the way. But the Mad Hatters would not hear any words of defeat. They came at the Eels with such determination. They put on a show driving to the  Eels net over and over again.  Going into the 3rd they were ahead 2-1 and within a minute into the 3rd the Mad Hatters put another fluke goal by Alex Caron and the rink went silent. 3-1 with the Eels on the receiving end. The Eels were under attack and their penalty woes were upon them. This was unfamiliar territory for the Eels.  You could see the Mad Hatters players were in celebration mode. A little bit of complacency set in. Somebody forgot to tell them that a wounded animal in the jungle is the most dangerous. Never, take the Eels for granted. Indeed,  coach Scarpaci regrouped his players and settled things down fast.

 

A refocused Eels Premier team. You could see it. Truly they had fire in their eyes. Every player on that bench was dialed in. They brought what was taught them over the last 4 weeks. The Eels vets integrated their experience. And the results were astounding. The Eels went on to score 4 unanswered goals in the remainder of the 3rd period and Alex Caron slammed shut the door to his net. In 19 minutes the “Wall” was built. And it was made of bricks and cement. Caron style.

 

In day two, Sunday, everyone felt the Mad Hatters would regroup and bring the same grit and skill to the table as they had for the 1st 41 minutes of Saturday’s game. That was indeed the case. This  Atlanta team is made up of some very talented players and they brought their best game. The teams were quite even throughout the 1st two periods.  Neither team scored in the 1st period. Up and down incredibly fast paced game. The Eels scored 2 goals in the 2nd period.   Power play and Penalty kills – both teams were incredibly strong. Impressive.

 

The Mad Hatters scored their only goal of the game at the 6-minute mark to bring it within 1. However, Coach Scarpaci again regrouped his guys, and they went on a full tent attack scoring 5 unanswered goals on the Mad Hatters goalie. Moreover today’s net minder, Duncan Rolleman  was nearly flawless allowing only one goal. He was virtually impenetrable. A solid effort in his first junior game for the Eels.

What was amazing was all 5 goals in the 3rd period were at full strength. Things clearly started to jell for the Premier team. They simply overpowered the Mad Hatters and placed their undeletable mark on the make-up of the Eels Premier team.

Coach Scarpaci was quite happy with his team’s performance this early in the season. He says he has a lot of work to be done. The guys are all still learning one another and the development needs to be harnessed. But we were quite pleased to come out with two solid wins.

Taurin Haddon-Harris is selected as Florida Eels Premier team Captain. This is Taurin’s 2nd season with the Eels.

Adam Gaudet and Easton Moore were selected as Assistant Captains This is Adam’s 2nd season with the Eels and Easton’s 3rd season with the Eels.

Congrats boys. They are excellent choices to lead their team this season

Florida Eels hit the 23rd player to sign a college commitment advancing to college for the 2021 season. Jake Carlson from Lewisberry, PA, made the FGCU Div. 2 squad. Jake was a very gifted goal scorer. He played 3 seasons in the USPHL He will do well at FGCU’ Their program is always a National contender. He plays a very high tempo game. He joins TJ Zebley from last season’s Eels Premier team. 23 players advancing to college are unprecedented numbers. Moreover, this commitment marks the Eels 283rd player over all for the Florida Eels Junior Hockey