The Florida Eels Premier team came out on fire in game one of the weekend trio of games. The Eels nails 8 goals into the coffers as they unravel the Madhatters 8-0 in their 1st of 3 games over this weekend.
The Eels had all cylinders firing as they explode for 8 goals in the evening debut in Atlanta
The Eels square off for game 2 on Sunday morning and game 3 Monday morning.
In net for the Eels earning the shutout was Alex Caron
This week the USPHL will be selecting its first round of Players of The Week. Each week a panel of USPHL Coaches and League staff receive nominations as top forward, defense and goaltender and make selections in each Division: Premier and Elite for the various regions.
Additionally, once per month the league selects Players of The Month. No doubt these are covenanted awards and it is indeed to receive the nominations let alone the final selection. So stay tune for announcements.
In years past, Eels players have been selected on numerous occasions for Players of the Week, Players of the Month and Year End All-Stars. Good luck guys/
This weekend the Florida Eels plays host to the Atlanta Madhatters. The Eels Premier team has thus far won 3 games over the Jr. Blades and lost 1 to Tampa in this early stage of the season. Atlanta on the other hand won 2 and lost 2. They defeated the Colonials and lost one. They lost one to the Carolina Hurricanes and won one. It is very hard to predict or evaluate the level of any of the teams as it is much too early in the season.
By the same token the Eels Elite team also sits 3-1 in the young season. They too lost to Tampa in the opening weekend and defeated the Jr Blades last weekend in one and swept their double header this past weekend.
A look at the Madhatters rosters showed they have measurably improved their team. They added size and depth upfront, on the blueline and in net. Their Premier team has 2 wins and 2 losses on the season, defeating the Charleston Colonials in one out of two contest and one win and one loss vs the Carolina Hurricanes. They have scored 15 goals and allowed 16 for a minus 1 on the season.
The Elite squad has 1 win 2 losses and OT loss in the short season. They scored 5 goals thus far but allowed 12. That is a minus thus far on the season.
These numbers are a small sample size and are not an accurate barometer on the season’s predictions. No doubt the Madhatters and the Eels had some pretty competitive games last season and we expect nothing different this year. In fact, if you recall Atlanta’s Elite squad upset Tampa last year in the playoffs to earn the right to advance to Nationals. That was huge for them. A feather in their cap and a sting the Tampa Juniors had to swallow all off season. Let that be a lesson , never take your opponent for granted. The Eels have many new faces to complement our returning veterans and they played very strong over the last 3 games, averaging close to 6 goals per game both on the Elite and Premier Divisions.
We hope you can all join us live at the Fort Myers Skatium this Saturday and Sunday or on HockeyTV
SAT Test Date
28 Sep by Frank Scarpaci
Guys if you are planning on taking the SAT test we have an open weekend December 5th
It is a Saturday so you should make sure you register for this immediately. When you register make sure you select a local testing center in Fort Myers
The Eels Premier and Elite teams swept the Jr Blades over the weekend in a pair of double headers. Both the Elite team and Premier squad had 2 games each vs the Blades and both came out victorious. In a rare 4 away game forum ( all games were played at Hertz Arena) the Eels came out on top each team averaging 6 goals for a game.The Eels clearly showcased their fire power and depth as they garnered scoring form over a dozen players through out the weekend. The Eels also used different goalies in all 4 games who each had strong performances.
The Florida Eels Elite team defeated the Jr Blades in their 2nd straight game against the Blades. Last week they downed the Blades 4-2 and tonight they clearly dismantled the Blades by a score of 8-2. There were 7 different goal scorers for the Eels tonight. Now that is impressive. Moreover the Eels have over dozen rookies on this squad.
Tomorrow the Eels Elite team squares off once again for their 3rd game vs the Jr Blades. This is the Jr Blades home openers as they host the Eels the entire weekend of games vs the Elite and Premier teams. The Eels have averaged 6 goals per each of the contest vs the Blades. Interesting the Eels have over 50% new guys so they are still getting to know one another and despite this they have developed a nice chemistry thus far.
Come join us at Hertz Arena or on Hockey TV for Saturday’s action.
Today the Florida Eels take on the Jr Blades at Hertz Arena
In the second showdown in as many weeks the Florida Eels take on their cross-town rivals the Jr. Blades. The Elite team squares off at 5:00 pm while the Premier team kicks off at 8:00 pm
Both contests are being hosted by the Jr. Blades at their home rink Hertz Arena . This is the 2nd set of games between the two organizations of the early season. Last weekend the Eels Elite defeated the Blades 4-2 while the Premier team bested the Blades by a score of 6-4.
No doubt as always, these two teams bring out the best in one another. Indeed, it is considered by many the best rivalry in Junior hockey. On Saturday the two divisions will square off again at Hertz Arena for an unusual pair of away games for the Eels.
The Eels have a many returning veterans and familiar faces but also boast about a 50% ratio. So please join us in support of our guys at Hertz. In fact, the USPHL is about the only sporting venue in Florida and the Southeast that fans are allowed to come and watch live.
If you cannot make it join us on HockeyTV
Florida Eels Elite Team Weekend Ice Cap
The Florida Eels Elite team split the weekend with a loss to the Tampa Juniors in their season opener up in Tampa 7-2 and a win in their home opener vs the Jr. Blades 4-2 at the Fort Myers Skatium. You could say Friday night’s game was a bit of “Baptism by Fire” so to speak for the Elite squad. The Eels players had to learn to jell as a team. They were 13 new players out of 21 on the squad. That is a lot to develop cohesiveness. In fact, the Eels had 11 rookies on this squad who never played junior hockey. So, there is a huge learning curve. But GM Scarpaci offers no excuses. This is how you develop players. This is what we do best. We train 3+ hours per day on ice 5 days per week in the gym or fitness center 5 days per week, weekly video sessions. It is not about wins and losses. It is all about “Player Development”. By being patient and developing our players we get to stage 2: That is the advancement of our players. Advancement to the Premier Squad, the NCDC The BCHL etc. and most importantly to play College Hockey. Our program is at the pinnacle of college advancement with 260 alumni advancing to college.
Coach Sanchez echoed, “We saw some holes and inequities and made some adjustments. We re-focused our players Friday night and Sunday morning. Remember we had our home opener less than 24 hours away. So, there was not time for another practice or video sessions”. But the coaches got to go over what we did wrong and how to close the gap. And the boys responded.
On Sunday after having their first game jitters out of the way and shock off some of the “junior nerves” you could see they came out more poised. Their systems were in tack as a team and their own skill sets took over as well. Remember unlike years past where we got to scrimmage 2-3 game vs. ACHA College teams like the University of Tampa, Florida State University, University of South Florida and FGCU we had to go into these games’ cold turkey.
The Elite team came out hard. They ramped up their fore-check and placed enormous pressure on the Blades. The boys bought into the Eels back check plans and the result was a resounding 4-2 win over their cross-town rivals the Florida Jr. Blades. This Blades team was not a push over. Unlike years past they came with a full team and they too were hungry looking to avenge their 7-1 loss at the hands to the Tampa Juniors. It was a tough hard battle waged by both the Eels and Jr Blades. We were very proud of our guys being able to spring back and rebound with their solid effort. Remember the Jr Blades played Friday evening and had all day Saturday to recover, review film, scout our game vs Tampa and well prepare for their contest with the Eels. Compare the less than 24 hours turn around for the Eels. Way to go guys!
This weekend we have 2 away games vs the Junior Blades. Friday and Saturday . This ought to be incredible games. The intensity and excitement are always at a high between these two clubs. If you are in town join us at Hertz Arena or on Hockey TV.
Summary of game 1.
Florida Eels 2 at Tampa Bay Juniors 7 – Status: Final
Saturday, September 19, 2020 – Advent Health Center Ice
Florida Eels 0 1 1 – 2
Tampa Bay Juniors 4 0 3 – 7
1st Period-1, Tampa Bay Juniors, Uhrig 2 (Duhaime), 3:13. 2, Tampa Bay Juniors, Bahula 2 (Fleer), 11:04. 3, Tampa Bay Juniors, Campo 1 (Williams, Walker), 13:56. 4, Tampa Bay Juniors, Walker 1 (Williams, Cobbs), 18:03. Penalties-No Penalties
2nd Period-5, Florida Eels, Rioux 1 (Zebley, Corbett), 0:26. Penalties-No Penalties
3rd Period-6, Tampa Bay Juniors, Woodring 1 (Ruf, Cullen), 2:15. 7, Tampa Bay Juniors, Bahula 3 (Custable, Walker), 9:20. 8, Tampa Bay Juniors, Bahula 4 (Cullen, Custable), 13:16. 9, Florida Eels, Harrop 1 (Corbett, Chambre), 16:09. Penalties-Corbett Eel (roughing), 18:32; Woodring Tbj (roughing), 18:32.
Shots on Goal-Florida Eels 9-11-9-29. Tampa Bay Juniors 17-11-9-37.
Power Play Opportunities-Florida Eels 0 / 0; Tampa Bay Juniors 0 / 0.
Goalies-Florida Eels, Pelletier 0-1-0-0 (17 shots-13 saves); VanOoteghem 0-0-0-0 (20 shots-17 saves). Tampa Bay Juniors, Leigh 1-0-0-0 (29 shots-27 saves).
Summary of game 2.
Florida Junior Blades 2 at Florida Eels 4 – Status: Final
Sunday, September 20, 2020 – Fort Myers Skatium
Florida Junior Blades 1 1 0 – 2
Florida Eels 0 2 2 – 4
1st Period-1, Florida Junior Blades, Hambling 1 9:29. Penalties-Neish Fjb (roughing), 3:39.
2nd Period-2, Florida Eels, Rioux 2 (Zebley, Engles), 1:25. 3, Florida Junior Blades, Attisano 2 (Williams III), 2:14 (PP). 4, Florida Eels, Zebley 1 (Chambre, Rioux), 18:04. Penalties-Harrop Eel (slashing), 2:05; Campbell Eel (tripping), 4:03; Manicki Fjb (hooking), 14:50.
3rd Period-5, Florida Eels, Chambre 1 1:00. 6, Florida Eels, Cartier 1 (Rioux, DeMeyere), 7:00. Penalties-Corbett Eel (bench -unsportsmanlike conduct), 10:35.
Shots on Goal-Florida Junior Blades 9-14-12-35. Florida Eels 12-21-17-50.
Power Play Opportunities-Florida Junior Blades 1 / 0; Florida Eels 0 / 0.
Well the Florida Eels Premier team is back and looking to present an exciting season. The Eels host many new faces. Their first test was against the Tampa Juniors in their season opener at Advent Health Center in Wesley Chapel (Tampa) Florida. The Eels with many new faces – 14 new players. Compared to Tampa who has 18 veteran returners. Unlike previous seasons we did not get the chance to scrimmage the local college teams such as FGCU, the University of Tampa, the University of South Florida and others. Moreover, the Eels had 11 rookies so there is a learning curve here. So, it was a case of first impression for us. We had a feeling out process.
The coaches were very happy with the foundation. The skill set was high, and the effort and determination were present and most of all, the boys played with a high compete level. But the systems were a bit off. The cohesiveness that the Eels are known for was a bit absent. It will take a bit of time being so many new guys, but we know what was there. In fact, the Eels actually controlled the play and out played Tampa 90%of the game. It was a few lapse moments and a timing or two that cost us. You cannot make those mistakes against a veteran and experienced team like Tampa without paying the price.
The coaches had a short turnaround time (less than 24 hours) and regrouped the guys. And that we did. We played the Blades at home for our home opener. And the boys came out on fire. The Eels lit the lamp with only 10 seconds into the game and then struck again with only 17 seconds into the game. In the end the Eels down the Blades 6-4. Here we saw a game with a familiar Eels lethal attack, an extremely aggressive fore-check and their patterned smothering back check. We still see areas of improvement. Of course, It was only our 2ndgame. Indeed, we have quite a few new guys and rookies but that is what our coaches do best. Our objective is the develop players to advance to College.
This week we have a pair of games against the Jr. Blades Friday and Saturday games at Hertz Arena. No doubt the Blades will be looking to avenge their losses from last weekend against the Tampa Juniors and the Florida Eels. The Eels are looking to gain some more day light in the standings and close the gap with Tampa. If you are in the area please join us, otherwise tune in to HockeyTV.
Summary Score Card of Weekend Games.
Florida Eels 3 at Tampa Bay Juniors 5 – Status: Final
Saturday, September 19, 2020 – Advent Health Center Ice
Florida Eels 1 1 1 – 3
Tampa Bay Juniors 1 0 4 – 5
1st Period-1, Florida Eels, Roost 1 (Espinasse, Goral), 8:12. 2, Tampa Bay Juniors, Lucas 3 (Frenkel), 16:53. Penalties-Espinasse Eel (elbowing), 2:58; Barrington Tbj (tripping), 3:28; Chadwell Tbj (slashing), 15:02; Maroszek Eel (holding the stick), 16:53; Flidr Tbj (roughing), 20:00.
2nd Period-3, Florida Eels, Podrezov 1 (Court), 0:23 (PP). Penalties-Walker Tbj (cross-checking), 6:44; Wawrzkiewicz Tbj (tripping), 15:20.
3rd Period-4, Tampa Bay Juniors, Esposito 1 (Johnson, Reed), 0:40. 5, Tampa Bay Juniors, Anderson 1 (Lucas, Frenkel), 4:27 (PP). 6, Tampa Bay Juniors, Johnson 2 (Anderson), 14:02 (SH). 7, Florida Eels, Zebley 1 (Maroszek), 15:10 (PP). 8, Tampa Bay Juniors, Courneya 1 (Stouffer, Wawrzkiewicz), 19:27. Penalties-Castonguay Eel (roughing, roughing), 3:24; Kaebel Tbj (roughing), 3:24; Walker Tbj (major -high-sticking), 10:31.
Shots on Goal-Florida Eels 5-11-6-22. Tampa Bay Juniors 11-11-16-38.
Power Play Opportunities-Florida Eels 2 / 6; Tampa Bay Juniors 1 / 3.
Goalies-Florida Eels, Caron 1-1-0-0 (38 shots-33 saves). Tampa Bay Juniors, Kujawski 2-0-0-0 (22 shots-19 saves).
Florida Junior Blades 4 at Florida Eels 6 – Status: Final
Sunday, September 20, 2020 – Fort Myers Skatium
Florida Junior Blades 3 1 0 – 4
Florida Eels 3 1 2 – 6
1st Period-1, Florida Eels, Roost 2 (Espinasse, Voyda), 0:10. 2, Florida Eels, Podrezov 2 (Zebley, Dill), 0:17. 3, Florida Junior Blades, Walters 1 (Weingartner, Fata), 4:36. 4, Florida Eels, Goral 1 (Roost, Court), 9:02. 5, Florida Junior Blades, Weingartner 1 (Lindholm), 15:02. 6, Florida Junior Blades, Lindholm 1 (Fata), 15:36 (PP). Penalties-Maynard Fjb (tripping), 13:31; Goral Eel (hooking), 14:28; Wooldridge Fjb (roughing, roughing), 16:01; Caravella Eel (roughing), 16:01; Espinasse Eel (tripping), 19:05; Voyda Eel (major -charging, game misconduct), 19:05.
2nd Period-7, Florida Junior Blades, Weingartner 2 (Lindholm, Fata), 1:04 (PP). 8, Florida Eels, Dill 1 (Podrezov, Bregante), 18:02 (PP). Penalties-Humble Eel (tripping), 4:18; Zebley Eel (tripping), 7:50; Goral Eel (tripping), 11:26; Blake Fjb (holding), 13:58; Fata Fjb (slashing), 16:15.
3rd Period-9, Florida Eels, Zebley 2 (Maroszek, Bregante), 12:05. 10, Florida Eels, Jankauskas 1 (McNeish, Swygert), 12:21. Penalties-Lindholm Fjb (high-sticking), 3:15; Caravella Eel (tripping), 5:33; McGovern Fjb (slashing), 9:16; Gay Eel (high-sticking), 9:16; Walters Fjb (roughing, roughing, game misconduct), 16:51; Podrezov Eel (roughing, roughing, game misconduct), 16:51.
Shots on Goal-Florida Junior Blades 15-18-8-41. Florida Eels 14-13-14-41.
Power Play Opportunities-Florida Junior Blades 2 / 0; Florida Eels 1 / 0.
Goalies-Florida Junior Blades, Wise 0-2-0-0 (41 shots-35 saves). Florida Eels, Caron 1-1-0-0 (41 shots-37 saves).
UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE
COVID-19 PROCOALS
September 15, 2020
The UPSHL is requiring all organizations to undertake the following steps to help to safeguard against the contraction and/or spread of COVID-19.
GENERAL POLICY
All USHPL members must use all reasonable best efforts to follow all federal, state and local guidelines (collectively “COVID-19 Guidelines”) issued pertaining to COVID-19 including, but not limited to, guidelines regarding travel, facility management and any hockey/sport related policies. Each Organization must print out the applicable COVID-19 Guidelines and provide a copy to each general manager, coach, trainer, and other team personnel. One printed copy must always be present with the team.
TESTING POLICY
DOMICILE SAFEGUARDS
All USPHL organizations are required to have an action plan/procedure to facilitate the transportation and safekeeping of players who become ill/infected with COVID-19. Each USPHL Organization’s plan must include the following:
Each Organization’s plan regarding the actions it will undertake to manage a player when a player or team personnel is determined to have contracted COVID 19, including the Safe House and Designated Driver Protocol, is due to the league office 3 days prior to the start of the organization’s team’s season.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
All USHPL members must use all reasonable best efforts to follow all federal, state, and local guidelines (collectively “COVID-19 Guidelines”) issued pertaining to Social Distancing.
Facial Coverings
USPHL Bubble
Each organization is to define social boundaries for all team staff and players while not participating with the team. Limitations should include prohibiting participation in social gatherings (“parities, etc.), attending concerts, movies and other forms of entertainment that place the team personnel and players in situations where there is an above usual potential for exposure to someone who has COVID-19.
End of Game
Teams will not do a line handshake but will rather line up on the blue line and do a stick salute.
Keep up with the freshest news & the exciting games of your favorite PREMIER & Elite USPHL teams!
