Florida Eels Excited to Announce that Cade Swygert Re-Signs With the Eels

This kid is all heart and soul One of the hardest workers to ever suit up in an Eels uniform

The Florida Eels Are Thrilled to Announce the Re-Signing of 3rd year veteran Cade Swygert. Cade 5’11” 180 lbs.,  2000 is  from Summerville, SC, . He joined the Eels  for the 2017-18 playing season as a rookie. He came in with his brother Jaymen who has since advanced to Thomas College in Maine. Cade played initially as  forward with the Eels, where he impressively scored 14 goals and garnered  40 assists.  This past season he transitioned to defense to fill an immediate void and he ripened into a solid defenseman. No doubt his solid play on defense contributed significantly to the Eels Premier team’s success in winning the  regular season Championship in the tough Florida Division of the USPHL.

 

Cade is one of the most hardest working players in the organization. He never takes a shift off. He wears the Florida Eels not only on his jersey but in his heart. He bleeds GREEN. He brings enormous intensity to every game and practice. He plays tough as nails. He wears other players down. Opposing players see the fire in his eyes.

 

Cade has solid skill set. He is a solid skater. Moves the puck extremely well. His time playing as a forward has  significantly  helped his puck movement and confidence with the puck as a defenseman. He  Battles hard in all 3 zones. He plays with a tight gap. Has taken deeded rights to his own crease.  He is a great student of the game. Always trying to improve his lot. He expects and demands 100 % effort from all his teammates at practice, in the gym, during off ice work outs and in games. Moreover, he has that insatiable appetite to win. Period!

 

To say he plays with a high compete level would be the understatement of the year. He is one of our most dedicated and determined players to ever put on an Eels jersey. Since joining the Eels, his commitment has been unwavering in his development. He has competed in 3 Pro Am Pre-Drafts 3 Pro Am Sr Chowder Cups and 6 post season USPHL Spring and Summer Showcases. In those venues he played against NCAA Div. 1 players and NHL Draft picks. This speaks volumes in his development as a player. He trains over the summer with the Eels coaches with one mindset: To Win a National Championship and ultimately Advance to College.

 

Cade is a high character individual.  He is a great leader – there is no secret that is why he was selected as an Assistant Captain when he played on the Eels Elite team. We expect a lot from Cade this season in his quest to realize his dreams. We are extremely excited that Cade will be with us in his final season of junior hockey.

Florida Eels Announce The Signing of Canadian Vincent Cartier

It may be 90 degrees in Florida, but the Montreal Express keeps coming strong as the Florida Eels announce another key prospect has signed with its Junior program. The Eels are excited to announce 6’0” 166 lbs. 2004 Vincent Cartier as its next Canadian who becomes a member of the Florida Eels. Cartier a defensemen, a native of Drummondville  Quebec City Canada, played for  Marie-Rivier Canimex Espoir QMEAA  and the previous year he played for  Collège St-Bernard  and was assistant captain and  scored 8 goals and notched 17 assists for 25  points in 26 games and was nominated MVP that season.

 

Cartier is a very smooth skater with explosive speed has a very high IQ. He plays with a very high compete level. He is very strong in the defensive zone.  Battles very well in front of the net and along the boards. Vincent makes a nice quick first pass out and plays the Eels transitional game where he is very effective in joining in the rush. He has a nice accurate shot from the offensive blueline that gets to the opposing netminders. He plays a tight gap. He will make an excellent addition to the Eels blueline.

 

Cartier comes as long line of top Canadians who have played for the Eels. Moreover, he was a teammate of Eels goalie Alex Caron at for  Collège St-Bernard.  He was scouted in Quebec City and Montreal by the Eels scouts and they were truly impressed and will undoubtedly ripen into a solid player . We welcome Vincent to the Eels and look forward to him lacing up in an Eels jersey.

The Florida Eels are pleased to announce that 6’0” 2001 Alexandre Caron from Ste-Victoire de Sorel, QUE has re-signed with the Florida Eels Junior Hockey Program for the 2020-21 season.

The Florida Eels are pleased to announce that 6’0” 2001  Alexandre Caron from   Ste-Victoire de Sorel, QUE has re-signed with the Florida Eels Junior Hockey Program for the 2020-21 season.

The Eels top scout from Montreal  initially scouted Alexandre the  last few seasons while playing in Collège St-Bernard M18 Maj and Princeville Titans of the QJAAAHL and was quite impressed. Eels GM and coaches concurred with Alex’s potential and brought him to initially back stop the Eels Elite team for 5 games where he went undefeated.  He  had a 2.35 GAA with a .931 Sav%. He was the ultimate closer for the Eels in finishing off the season and secure its First Place Regular Season Championship in the Florida Division. He  was elevated to the Eels Premier team in their quest for Nationals on the Premier team he was also undefeated for a .903 Sav %.

GM Scarpaci echoed he loved Alex’s skill set. He  attacks shooters and  has an aggressive style but still very disciplined. He plays a hybrid butterfly style.   He controls rebounds.  He has a very strong glove and is very acrobatic. His overall demeanor in games and in practice is impressive. You can readily see he plays with a high compete level. He is a very focused goalie. Very determined. He has the unwavering commitment to win.  He won Player of the Week All Star status and Alternate Player of the Month selected by a panel of USPHL League coaches. This was very impressive accolades for a young rookie goalie.

As a young player we readily discerned that he shared the hunger and dedication that Eels have as their hallmark. Down the stretch Alex helped lead and backstop the Elite team to Regular Season Championship in the USPHL Florida  Elite Division. Indeed, the Eels hold the distinction of being the only program to have finished First Place in the Premier and Elite Divisions. Alex played a key role in securing that achievement.  Alex is a great team guy on the ice and in the locker room. Equally important the Eels are getting a first-class individual back. One who has impeccable character. We are excited he elected to come back. He knows we have a job to finish. And he is anxious to get back to work. Welcome back Alex.

The Florida Eels are extremely excited to announce its newest member of its junior program, 5’10” 158 lbs. Trevor Bass 2001 from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Florida Eels are extremely excited to announce its newest member of its junior program,  5’10” 158 lbs. Trevor Bass 2001  from  Santa Fe, New Mexico.   Premier coach Frank Scarpaci has Trevor  pretty high on his scouting radar. Trevor plays center and has a knack for the net notching 28 goals to his credit. We are very thrilled to have him join our program. He is a strong skater with excellent overall skill set. Playing center is one of the most difficult positions to master and Trevor plays it well. This reflects very well in the Eels style of play as a player who is a constant threat in all 3 zones – being the key forward  with an  insatiable appetite to score, to service his wingers offensively and mastering his role in the  defensive zone.

 

Trevor is a player who has a strong hockey IQ. Very coachable and a student of the game. He comes with the heart, determination and dedication accustomed in the Eels program. We want players who share our philosophy:  selfless play, unwavering commitment to his team and the resolve to outwork his opponents. You see everyone wants to win the real question is will you do what it takes to realize that mission. . Trevor checks all those boxes.

 

We are very excited to have Trevor join The Eels program. We look forward to an incredible season ahead.

The Florida Eels are extremely excited to announce 5’11” 165 lbs. Ryan Goral from Montreal QC Canada has Re-Signed with the Eels Premier team for the 2020-21 season.

The Florida Eels are extremely excited to announce 5’11” 165 lbs.  Ryan Goral from Montreal QC Canada has Re-Signed with the Eels Premier team for the 2020-21 season. Ryan came to the Eels as a rookie last season and defined perfectly how our player development worked.  Goral stared the season with the Eels Elite team where he played 17 games. In fact, he was a huge part of the reason the Eels Elite team seized first place in the first half of the season and were able to gain the momentum to cement that strong hold the entire season. The coaches saw his rapid  improvement and development and rewarded him with a call up to the Premier team. He played 22 games on the Premier team and brought his game to the Next Level.

Premier Coach Frank Scarpaci echoed Ryan is a high energy guy whose style of play heightens the spirit and intensity of all the other players on the team. He plays with a very high compete level. It was a learning curve no doubt for him when he joined us, but he rapidly closed the gap. Although he  started as a rookie, he finished playing like a seasoned  veteran.  Coach Scarpaci commented Goral reminds us a lot like  Jared Figueroa. He plays on the edge forechecking and backchecking  hard and not afraid to do battle with any opponents. He plays with that “sandpaper” that college coaches love.

Ryan is one of the hardest working players in the organization. He would often stay for extra practice sessions with the Elite team to work on the things that would make him better. That was 3 hours of ice per day! That is  determination . He also showed his dedication to the team by staying additional time shooting 100+ pucks per day. The fruits of his work ethic paid huge dividends with him not only be elevated to the Premier team but being a key impact guy on the Premier squad. Coach Scarpaci states Ryan was a huge part of the Premier team’s success this season including finishing First Place and winning  The USPHL Florida Division Regular Season Championship.

We expect Ryan to have a breakout year this season says GM Scarpaci. He came in as a rookie and experienced  intense  3 weeks of training camp, the toll of juniors 200+ practices 44 game schedule 4 college showcases, 3 trips to Boston,  the difficulty of playing at this level, and what you have to do to elevate his game. Junior A hockey is not easy. Playing for  the Florida Eels is even more difficult. It requires enormous commitment determination and intestinal fortitude, and  unwavering discipline . If it were easy everyone would do it. But the Eels are very selective in their rostering. Clearly Ryan meets this bar.   He has excellent skill set and this will be the year to bring it all together to fully blossom as a player.. We are excited that Ryan will be returning to the Eels. The Eels are in his DNA.

The Florida Eels are very excited to announce the Re-Signing of 2001 veteran defenseman Trevor Voyda for the 2020-21 season.

The Florida Eels are very excited to announce the Re-Signing of 2001 veteran defenseman Trevor Voyda for the 2020-21 season. This will be Voyda’s 3rd season with the Eels and 4th in junior hockey. Trevor is a native of Naples Florida. At 6’01” 225 lbs. He for sure makes his presence felt when you are on the ice. Despite his size he has one of the fewest penalty minutes on the team. But he plays very hard. He is punishing on opponents. He uses his weight and size to his advantage. He owns the real estate in front of his goalie and is completely dominate along the defensive boards. He battles relentlessly.

 

Voyda is very mobile as well. He jumps in on the Eels transition game making him a consummate threat in all 3 zones. He carries the puck quite well. Has excellent speed and vision on the breakout, be a first pass or skating  in transition to find open lanes. He has a very heavy shot on the offensive blue line. His cannon of release is matched with accuracy. In the 2018-19 season, at the Elite level,  he scored 10 loud goals and notched 23 helpers to lead his team to Nationals in Massachusetts. Last year he moved up to the Premier level and in 41 GP he scored 4 goals and assisted on 9 others. He saw first-hand the difference where the game was so much faster. Trevor made his adjustment to the much faster  Premier division mastering the task to shut down opposing attackers. He is a real student of the game and improves 1 or 2 % aspect of his game in every practice and in every game.  He takes advantage of every opportunity that the Eels put forth to him. Be it to join us at the Pro-AM NHL Pre Draft, the Pro-Am Sr. Chowder Cup and the USPHL Spring and Summer Showcases. These all add up and speak volumes in his development.

 

Trevor started playing Juniors very young. A year before arriving at the Eels. He knows what he wants and that is to play NCAA College hockey. He doesn’t just have dreams. After all everyone has those. He has a plan and every day he executes another step to reaching his mission. He is eager to stay for extra practices, shoot 100-200 pucks per day, watching videos of teams we are going to play or videos of his previous games to improve any inequities. This is one of the hardest working players in the organization. His name rings of dedication and determination.

 

He is a first-class individual says GM Frank Scarpaci. Trevor is a very high character individual. He comes every day more committed than imaginable. He also plays with a high compete level and has a high hockey IQ. We are thrilled to have Trevor Voyda back next season. He echoes loud and clear he has a job to complete. Win a National Title.

The Florida Eels are excited to announce that forward Ciro Calvanese 5’10” from Naples Florida has Re-Signed with its junior program for the 2020-21 season.

The Florida Eels are excited to announce that forward Ciro Calvanese 5’10”  from Naples Florida  has Re-Signed with its junior program for the 2020-21 season. In fact, Calvanese was originally born in Springfield Massachusetts where he first started his hockey career. He came to the Eels last year as a rookie. He played midget and high school hockey locally here in the Ft Myers area. The Eels were thrilled to have one of its local players advance to its junior program.

 

Ciro is a high character player. A real team guy. He brought huge energies to the team on and off the ice. He was like a sponge. Eager to learn and develop.  He knew he was coming to one of the best junior programs in the USA. It was a team that advanced 250 players to college. He wanted to be part of that. To one day be an Eels who advanced to college.  It was a team who recruited some of the top players from Europe, Canada and in the USA. This was a quantum leap for him, and he was excited to be part of such a storied and herald program. There was no doubt, anyone knowing Ciro readily recognized he was extremely dedicated to this Eels program. Loyal as the day is long. He wore his Eels jersey with great pride.

 

From the Eels Pre-Season Sr Chowder Cup in Boston Mass in July, to  beginning of training camp back in August of last season, and throughout the 8-month season, Ciro was one of the hardest workers on the Eels Elite team. He was very determined to close the gap. He would stay late every day and shoot 100 pucks. He picked up extra ice in the evening to help develop his skills.  His strongest attribute as a player is his speed. He could be downright explosive. The Coaches know this is Ciro’s year to put it all together. We need that on this team echoes GM Scarpaci. When Ciro combines his speed with scoring, he will make a huge impact on the team’s success. We have high expectations of him this season. He is no longer a rookie. He knows what is expected.  Moreover, he will be graduating from High School next month, so this upcoming year, he will have so much more time to develop  his skills and elevate his game to the Next Level.

 

Ciro is very proud of the Elite team’s accomplishments as they not only finished the regular season in first place, the team held on to that spot the entire season. That is indeed a lot to be proud of. He  was very much a  part of capturing the Regular Season Divisional Champs. But Ciro says, so succinctly, he has a job to finish. He is determined as ever to get his team to return to Nationals and win it all. That is the attitude we need and that is why all of the coaching staff are enthusiastic   about him returning. Welcome back Ciro

The Florida Eels are pleased to announce the Re-Signing of 2003 JJ Peters to its 2020-21 Eels program.

The Florida Eels are pleased to announce the Re-Signing of 2003 JJ Peters to its 2020-21 Eels program. He is 5’8” 160 pounds RW forward from Houston Texas. The Eels scouted JJ at the CCM Junior Prospects Showcase in Denver CO. He was one of ½ dozen players  the Eels signed there. Coach Sanchez and Coach Scarpaci liked what they saw in Peters. The coaches believed that JJ was a young man with good skill set who was young, and with the Eels patterned training program, could develop  into quality player. He showed incredible passion at the CCM Showcase games they scouted  and was very enthusiastic about coming to the Eels and developing as a player

 

Peters  was among  27 rookies who joined the Eels program last season.  That right there showed the world, the Eels were a program built on player development.  Some teams focus exclusively on older players so they can garner quick wins. Our teams were young, and we looked towards its future as well as the present . When mixed with key veterans we witnessed an incredible foundation for success. Well, the Eels model, undoubtedly was the correct one. As it has been consistently for over 10-15 years. The proof is black and white. Both the Eels Premier and Elite teams not only finished in first place at the end of the season, they owned first place all season!!!

 

 

JJ knew full well that it would be a formative year for him He was making a quantum leap from high school and midget hockey in Texas to Jr A hockey – to the Eels Jr A hockey no less.  The USPHL was a very prestigious league with incredibly talented young men. And the Eels were amongst the best in that league. The speed of the game, the explosiveness of players, the heighten skill set, the quality of goalies – everything had to be in 3rd and 4th gear. It is like every shift of every game is in overspeed. It wasn’t easy.    The Florida Division of the USPHL was one of the top divisions in the league. The Eels Elite division was made up of key veterans  who played entire seasons with the Premier Division. So, JJ knew he had his work cut out for him. But that made him tick even more.

 

JJ’s energies were ignited. He knew he would have to work harder than anyone. It was not surprising to the coaches to witness JJ’s development as player. You could see the “Fire in his Eyes.” He had unwavering commitment and he knew it wasn’t enough to give lip service on the concept dedication and determination. He came to practice hours before others. He stayed later every day. He attended extra practices in the evening with the Midget team. He shot every day 100-220 pucks. He not only trained at our off-ice training facility, he worked extra at the Skatium’s gym after practice. He trained extra hard at practice pushing himself. The net sum at season’s end, he elevated and ripened into a solid consistent player.  He was a solid contributor in his team winning the Regular Season Championship in his division. But he wants more this year from himself and his team.   As a 2003 this was impressive. Think about it he played with and against 1999’s and 2000’s. That is two levels above players he played with back in Texas.

 

JJ is ready to take his game to the Next Level.  But he knows there is still much to do to improve his game. But he is not afraid of hard work.  He is looking forward to the season to start.  GM Scarpaci says “He  has the work ethic , determination and unwavering commitment  every day be it practice or in games.” One thing for sure is when you talk with JJ, he is always ready, hungrier than most and willing to “go through the wall” for the Eels.  He has great character and a team guy. We expect this to be a huge year for him. Having that one year behind him will prove volumes to his game. The Eels welcome back JJ Peters to its program.

The Florida Eels are excited to announce the Re-Signing of Defenseman Stephen Huitt from Broomfield, CO

The Florida Eels are excited to announce the Re-Signing of 2001 Defenseman Stephen Huitt  from  Broomfield, CO 6’02 150 lbs. Stephen is  a  right -handed  shot that brings good size to the Eels blue line.  He was one of six  players who came to the Eels last season from Colorado. In fact, the Eels have had over 20 players from Colorado to have played for the Eels including Coach Alex Sanchez.

 

 

The Eels coaches first scouted Huitt at the CCM Junior Prospects Showcase last May. Premier Coach Frank Scarpaci and Elite Coach Alex Sanchez were indeed impressed with Stephen’s skill set and intestinal fortitude on the ice at the CCM Showcase  and knew right there he had the makings of an Eels. He had size, good skating and was quite mobile with the puck. He joined the Eels in August as a rookie. He stepped right into the line-up. He used his 6’02 size to his advantage and was more than generous throwing his weight around on opposing players. He made opposing teams aware when he was out there. Huitt was a fast learner. He saw there were some very talented players on his team and on opposing teams.  Juniors was a big jump; the USPHL  had some of the best talent in the USA and there was no taking any time off;  he recognized he had to close the gap and become a student of the game real fast. There was a golden opportunity for him to be a key guy here and he seized the moment with hard work and determination.

 

Huitt became a steady force on the Eel’s blueline. He impressed the coaches with his development. Keeping things simple. Getting the puck quickly out of the zone. Nice first passes out.  Winning net presence battles. Jump in on the transition game. Deny zone entry and maintain his gap;  and when on the offensive blueline get the puck through to the opposing goalie. These were hard lessons for any defensemen to master. When playing defense, you have to be the smartest players on the ice. Making a mistake at the Junior level often results on shots on net. Huitt grew very versed in his task and became one of our most steady D men on the backend.

 

Stephen was a very determined young man. He had great work ethic and brought unwavering dedication and commitment to his team.   He did very well this season working with some of our veteran seasoned  players. He was like a sponge. He wants to be better.  He has a strong hockey IQ.  Moreover, he is a high character young man. He fits perfectly into the Eels mold as player they build their program around.

 

We welcome back Stephen to the Eels family. He like all of the returning players have a job to complete. He is eager to get started.

THE FLORIDA EELS ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THE RE-SIGNING OF 2003 DEFENSEMAN NICK CORBETT FROM MONTANA/FLORIDA.

20 APR | BY FRANK SCARPACI

The Florida Eels are thrilled to announce the Re-Signing of 2003 Defenseman Nick Corbett from Montana/Florida. 6’0” 195lbs. a 2003 Left-handed shot. He in fact joined the Florida Eels Junior program two seasons ago as a practice player and last season full time as a rookie. He is another perfect example of the Eels Player Development model. During his time as a practice player the Eels coaches were able to give him quite a bit of personal attention and groom him for his rookie season. No doubt this time had a major effect on his effectiveness as a rookie this past season.

At six feet, 195 pounds Nick brings very good size to the back end. He is extremely strong and very physical. He owns the front of the crease. He is a solid defender. Despite his size he is very mobile. To be a high-end impact defenseman in our league of in college this is essential. Indeed, he uses his speed and quickness as he has adapted quite well to the Eels hybrid style of play transitioning d-zone play to a quick up the ice and join the play. To go along with quickness, he has excellent stickhandling and when he joins in the play can be a consummate threat on the offensive blueline. His shots get through to opposing goalies so there is no reset when he is on the ice.

This is a first-class high character individual with a relentless work ethic. He has a high hockey IQ. He fits perfectly well in the type of player we are looking to build our program with. We watched this young man develop in the Ft Myer Skatium Blackjack Midget program. He came to us with the hunger and desire typical of the players who are on the Eels. He did very well this season working with some of our veteran seasoned players. He is like a sponge. He wants to be better. He has enormous dedication and that hunger and determination will no doubt propel him this year and ultimately to college hockey. We welcome back Nick to the Eels.

What's Happening with the Florida Eels

Keep up with the freshest news & the exciting games of your favorite PREMIER & Elite USPHL teams!