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This weekend the Florida Eels Premier and Elite teams have their season openers on Saturday September 19th at the Advent Arena in Wesley Chapel (Tampa) Florida. The Elite team plays first at noon and the Premier team squares off at 2:45 pm. These two organizations have battled it out year after year for over a decade. Last season the Eels Premier team dominated first place the entire season and ended the year 20 points ahead of Tampa’s Premier team. Both teams finished strong in the Florida Division playoff round and advanced to Nationals.

 

The Elite team also owned first place in their Division  the entire season. Tampa and the Eels were edged out at playoffs with a surprising upset by Atlanta over Tampa and Charleston over the Eels in a best of 3 in the initial playoff round.

 

Suffice it to say the history between these two organizations have been very competitive. In fact, each regular season game is like a final determinative playoff game. We can expect both the Premier and Elite teams from both the Elite and Premier teams to be equally competitive this season. There are a lot of unknowns here being the first game of the season and many new faces. There Eels have been training for 3 weeks but there is nothing like getting you back into the grove of things than playing in actual league games.

 

On Sunday the Eels play host to the Florida Junior Blades at the Fort  Myers Skatium for the Eels home openers. We are all very excited to get this season underway. The Skatium does allow spectators so long as the folks practice certain CDC, USPHL and Eels protocols. This does include social distancing, six feet apart and wearing of face-coverings and or facemask for all spectators.

 

Sunday the Elite team plays first at 10:30 am puck drop. The Premier team plays 2nd at 1:00 pm puck drop. No doubt these two teams bring the best they have to the games. They are always very competitive games, quite very lively and extremely spirited. Typically, they are well attended by fans from both organizations. So social distancing will be strictly adhered to. Last season the Jr Blades Elite team missed the playoffs finishing 5thoverall. The Jr Blades Premier team finished the season in 4th place and were eliminated in 2 games by their cross-town rivals – the Florida Eels who finished the season in first place.

 

Again, as with all junior programs last year was last season. Each organization and team add many new faces and skills set. Moreover, the Blades have a totally new coaching staff. We trust these boys will be ready to battle against the Eels.

 

The Florida Eels coaching staff know full well last season’s accomplishments and heights are just that Last year. It is history for all intents and purposes. The Eels coaches won’t allow its players to sit on their laurels and accept complacency nor feel entitled. To the contrary  they have worked very hard over the last 3 weeks both on the ice, in the gym, additional fitness training and video analysis.

 

Please join us at the Skatium live if you are in town, or on Hockey TV for all the weekend games.

The USPHL’s Florida Premier Division saw familiarity at the top last season but some great battles for the remaining spots.

The Florida Eels rubbed shoulders with the best in the league last season and as a result, dominated the Florida standings. But with just eight points separating second from fourth in the final standings, the battle down the stretch was fantastic – for fans, and nerve-wracking for coaches.

The Eels and Tampa Bay Juniors earned the two National Championship berths for the division, but the Charleston Colonials and Florida Jr. Blades made them earn those spots.

All five teams fared well at Showcase events showing this was a Division to be reckoned with.

Here’s a look at the five Florida Division teams heading into a new season, in alphabetical order:

 

Atlanta MadHatters

After a busy off-season that included hiring new staff members and bringing in good players to support the returners, the MadHatters and Head Coach Paul Flache are excited to get the 2020-21 season started.

“We are excited to bring a fast paced, detailed, possession game every night to a very competitive Florida Division” said Coach Flache. “It’s like a whole new organization compared to last year.”

Some of the MadHatters’ top returning players also chipped in their two cents, including Josh Mesaros, Sam Adler and NCDC draft pick Owen Larson, who was selected by the Northern Cyclones in May.

“I’m really looking forward to the start of the season,” said Larson. “I’m excited to build off the season I had last year and boost my confidence. This year’s team has great potential and we’re all looking forward to a great season.”

 

Charleston Colonials

The Premier Colonials enjoyed a successful first season in 2019-20. Ultimately, a .500 finish (21-21-2-0) saw the Colonials battling for the runners up spot for much of the season before being edged out by Tampa down the stretch. The same pair met in the postseason, the Juniors earning the edge and ultimately snatching the National Championship berth.

New Head Coach Nate Weossner hopes to pick up where the team left off last season and create another great regular season battle this time around for an even higher position.

“We have a good amount of returners coming back. Nick Popp and Luke MacLeod are a couple guys who have really taken a leadership role and have run with it. I’m looking forward to see how guys like Chris Curtis, Nick Kaye and Jake Holston grow their game as we progress. In net we have a good situation with Kolin Grogesky, Blake Mons and Patrick Villain,” added Weossner.

 

Florida Eels

“2020 has been a year other than normalcy,” summed up the Florida Eels Owner/GM Frank Scarpaci. The Eels generally spend a busy off-season recruiting on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, but with the health issues of this year, things have changed a bit.

“Rather than attending the 10 customary postseason showcases and recruiting across the U.S., Canada and Europe, we had to recruit virtually,” Scarpaci added. “We had to rely on past scouting and dozens upon dozens of Zoom sessions and video-conferencing and hundreds of telephone conferences. The USPHL Combines were used as a vehicle as well.”

The result of long days of scouring videos and making connections, said Scarpaci, is a team that could be its strongest yet.

“We have approximately 20 returners and an additional 30 new recruits [between the Premier and Elite teams],” Scarpaci said.

Last season both Florida Eels Premier and Elite team owned first place in the tough Florida Divisions the entire season and Scarpaci says the blueprint remains the same this season.

 

Florida Jr. Blades

The Florida Jr. Blades Premier squad grabbed the fourth and final playoff spot a year ago and missed out at the Elite level.

A new staff including Premier Head Coach Rob Weingartner is anxious to help the team move up in the tough Florida Divisions.

“Being a new coaching staff for the Jr. Blades, Assistant Coach Brian Jacque and myself are excited to get the season started,” said Weingartner. “Like everyone else, the recruiting season has been a different approach for coaches since the camps were limited. The USPHL has done an amazing job keeping up with protocols and regulations and we can’t be more excited to get hockey started again.”

Goaltender Keegan Wise returns, while fellow Blades veterans Dylan Hultberg, Ashton King, Cody Colgrove are joined by many with junior experience including Kyle Lindholm, Joey Fata, Bennett Blake, Nolan Manicki and Quinn Roadhouse will also provide leadership.

Also watch for ‘03 Zach Pappas, a defenseman with a good stride, hard-working Bailey Kaiser and Carson Weingartner, who has 64 points in 97 career junior games.

 

Tampa Bay Juniors

The Tampa Bay Juniors Premier team enters the 2020-21 season looking to make Nationals for a second year in a row with Head Coach Garrett Strot once again behind the bench.

The juniors return eight forwards from last season’s team, including leader scorer Stanley Lucas. Czech forward Paul Flidr returns for his third season and the franchise leader in games played, Zach Puterbaugh is back for a fourth season.

On the back end, the Juniors are even deeper with a solid group of returning defenders.

“I think our defensive depth is the best we’ve ever had, led by John Heller, Parker Chadwell, Carter Hansen and newcomers like Jack Anderson and Laz Kaebel,” added Strot.

Adding to the stability in its own end will be goaltender Cade Kujawski, returning for a second season between the pipes.

The Premier team kicks off its season on home ice Friday against the Florida Jr. Blades. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:45 p.m.

The Florida Eels are thrilled to announce the signing of 6’3” 175 lbs. goalie Chris McFayden from Pittsburgh, PA,

Last season McFayden had been dominant between the pipes for North Catholic High School. so far this season.  He played in 20 games with an impressive 1.83 GAA and a  with .937 save percentage while playing every minute of the season as the starting goaltender for the Trojans.  He had posted a number of shutouts helping his team climb atop the PIHL Class A standings in its first year of Varsity hockey in 15 years  roster this season. He was named Player of The Week by the PIHL.

McFayden is a strong netminder. Quick reflects. Cat like Glove. Excellent technique. Outstanding  rebound control. Aggressively challenges his shooters. Stonewalling with his butterfly style.

As good as he had been on the ice, McFayden’s performance in the classroom was even more impressive.  He carried an astounding 4.43 GPA as a senior at North Catholic.  He added to his academic accomplishments with a 1250 SAT score.  As a result of his academic accolades, McFayden was inducted as a member of the National Honor Society.

 

McFayden comes to the Eels as a hungry and determined player. He has an unwavering work ethic whose has a burning desire to be the best. He is completely committed to continue the Eels excellence within the USPHL. He adds the depth to the Eels program. We welcome Chris to the Eels family.

The Florida Eels are thrilled to announce the signing of 2001  6’0” 185 lbs. veteran goalie Noah Granata from Toronto CA. In 2019-20,  Granata played for the Dandas Blues of the PJCHL and was later called up to Tier II Canadian Juniors for  the Elliot Lake Wildcats of the NOJHL..  In the 2018-19 season he played  for the highly regarded top ranked Brampton 45’s U18 AAA.

 

Granata is seasoned veteran who has done very well in the Canadian forum and is looking to bring his game to the Next Level  to the USA with the Florida Eels. He is playing a hybrid style. Very fast on his feet and Acrobatic. He possesses a strong  cat like glove.  He challenges shooters and very confident in net. He already has been strongly recruited  by USA colleges and is intent on getting his game polished for his college career. Academically, Noah is a very intelligent with a high GPA.   Noah is a very determined young man who is a dedicated student of the game. He has a great attitude, a team player and very competitive. We welcome Noah to the Eels family.

The Florida Eels are very excited to announce the signing of 2002 veteran defensemen Cameron Grajewski from Denver CO. Cameron has a large physical presence on the ice at 6’5 198 lbs. with 6’5” wingspan. He adds solid veteran experience to the Eels Blueline this year. He is a seasoned defenseman, having played in the EHL last season and Tier I midget AAA for the Cleveland Barons, Tier I AAA Midgets for the Colorado Evolution and Tier I AAA Bantams for the Colorado Rampage.

Cameron has been training with the Eels throughout the summer and has impressed our coaches. He is a strong skater with solid skill set. He has a nice heavy shot. High Hockey IQ. Smart in the D zone. Has excellent vision in all 3 zones. A very dedicated and determined young man. He equally impressed the Eels coaches with his off-ice work ethic. He worked just as hard in the gym as he did on the ice.

Having spent the summer training with Cameron, we can tell he is a high-quality individual. Strong character traits. He possesses an unwavering commitment to win. He is eager to learn. Very coachable. He fits perfectly in with the Eels philosophy and culture. He shares our goals and mission. Maximize his player development and become one of our players that advance to a NCAA College hockey program. We are thrilled to have Cameron join the Eels family this season.

The Florida Eels are thrilled to announce the signing of 2002 veteran all-star defensemen Alexander Patrikeyev from Chelyabinsk Russia. He played the last two seasons for HK Bryansk U18. Previously he played for Mechel Chelyabinsk U17 and Dizel Penza U16. At 6’3” Patrikeyev has size and makes his physical presence known while on the ice. Alexander has very strong skill set. Excellent skater with explosive speed. Very good puck control sees the puck very well. Has a lethal shot. A consummate offensive threat on the blueline.

Alexander is an extremely dedicated and determined young man. Has an insatiable appetite to win. High compete level. Prides himself in winning his battles. Unwavering commitment to be at the top. Incredible work ethic. European and Russian scouting is very high on Patrikeyev . A real team guy who puts the desire and hunger to win into action. He is very excited to join the Eels and to continue the Eels rich legacy of Russian players being an integral part of the Eels culture. We welcome him to the Eels family.

The Florida Eels are very excited to announce the  re-signing of 6’0″ ” 160 lbs. veteran forward Gage Dill from Fort Myers Florida. Gage is one of those unique  homegrown Florida players. He is a 3-year veteran of junior hockey in the USPHL. He has exceptional skill set. Outstanding skater. Explosive speed. Incredible hands. He is a gifted goal scorer with sharp eyes that can thread the needle. He has a very high hockey IQ.  Plays with a high compete level. An unwavering dedication and determination.  His peripheral vision makes him one of the best set up players in juniors.

In 127 games he scored 61 goals and notched 98 assists for a total of 159 points for an impressive 1.26 points per game. That says it all: He is a consummate competitor. He brings everything to the game and to practices. An incredible work ethic. Last year he was a large reason why the Eels Premier team held first place for the entire season winning the regular season Florida Division title, sweeping the Florida Division playoffs and advancing to the USPHL Nationals. This young man echoes he has a job to complete and that is winning a National Title. We are very thrilled to have Gage back this season.

The Florida Eels are excited to announce the signing of veteran 2000 forward 6’ 2” 200 lbs. Pablo Palos from Dallas Texas to its junior program. Pablos will add depth and experience to its line up having played juniors last season for the Gillette Wild and previously for the North American Prospects League NAHPL. He comes with a determined mind set to bring his game to the Next Level. His focus is to play college hockey. He has solid skill set and uses his size and physical presence in his game. That is why he came to the Eels. He is a player with strong character and commitment to win.

Pablo is a team player. He knows that is the way you win. Team first. He has a great attitude to go with his determination. He is very excited to join the Eels who enjoy so much respect in junior hockey and within the college coaches community. His experience playing juniors and in the NAHPL will help bring depth to the Eels program. No doubt the Eels are looking to continue in their winning ways. Last year both teams finished in First Place in the tough Florida Division.
We welcome Palos to our Eels program.

The Florida Eels are excited to announce the signing of veteran forward Zach Russell.
Like many of the high-end players we get, Zach is from Broomfield, Colorado. Russell is a dynamic two way forward with two years of junior hockey experience from the NA3HL with the Jr. Stars. We have been pursuing him for two years after we first spotted him in the Colorado CCM showcase, and after two seasons he has decided to trade in his old set of white black and green jerseys for better-looking Eels jerseys. Zach is fast and crafty with the puck but is also feisty when it comes to puck battles and the corners. Last season Zach had 8 goals 14 assists and 104 penalty minutes in a physically tough league. Zach is 5’9″ 150lbs but plays like he is 6’5″.
Zach has a high hockey IQ and plays with high compete level. He plays with a lot of energy and very aggressive on the fore-check. We believe that as a veteran, Zach will make an enormous impact this season. We expect him to contribute to the Eels’ success, and as he continues to develop this season from our rigorous training, we believe that he become a college-ready hockey player. We are excited Zach will be joining the Eels family.