Category: Uncategorized

The Florida Eels have had an extraordinary regular season. Despite various adversities and injuries early in the season, the Eels continued to show up and prove time and time again they were not to be taken lightly: they in fact were the team to beat. As an Eel it is the very fiber of our being, whether you are a coach or a player, to face these obstacles with integrity, to want to face the absolute toughest opponents and to never back down or shy away from the best competition.  It is from these experiences that our players build fortitude and resolve to go the distance. The Florida Eels have advanced to playoffs for over 15 straight seasons, 7 seasons since joining the USPHL, and the Eels were determined to participate once again.

After facing a tough regular season line up both in the Florida Division and in Showcase play both Eels teams advanced to the USPHL Florida Divisional Playoffs, Eels Premier taking the second-place entry slot and Eels Elite taking the second-place entry slot. The Eels Premier were to match up against the third-place entry Tampa Bay Juniors and the Eels Elite against third- place entry the Atlanta Mad Hatters.

In true Eels fashion the Eels Elite battled hard, showing determination, strength and passion, as they took Atlanta Mad Hatters through a three game series. The Eels never gave up and battled to the last minute of play, as they bowed to the Mad Hatters who took the play off victory. Although disappointed that the season was now at its end, and the team would not be advancing to nationals, there was no disappointment in the teams’ overall success and accomplishments this season. For it is not about the wins and losses on the ice, it is about player development, and player character that are the true mark of accomplishment. With that the Eels Elite team are true champions: as they advance an unprecedented 10 PLAYERS to college hockey this season. This is a remarkable achievement, unheard of by other Elite and Premier teams, and one that the Eels community is truly proud of.

Additionally, Under Coach Frankie Scarpaci’s leadership and advisement, an additional 18 Premier PLAYERS, along with the 10 PLAYERS from Elite, will advance to the College Hockey level. Coaches from NCAA Division II and Division III, ACHA Division I and Division II take notice of these well trained, and conditioned athletes developed by Scarpaci. The player and character development speaks for itself. As a total of 18 players from the Eels organization move forward in their hockey careers to the college level. It is a clear demonstration of why the Eels continue to be a premovement junior program across the USA, Canada and Europe.

The Florida Eels Premier, under the leadership of Coach Frankie Scarpaci, claimed the victory of the three game playoff series against the Tampa Bay Juniors. Premier entered each game with grit, strength, passion and fortitude. The battles were fierce but the Eels Premier were ready and had a fire in their blood. They would not lose; they would not quit. After two games, the Eels lit the lamp claiming game three and the playoffs with a  5-0 win over the Tampa Bay Juniors. The Eels Premier will head to Nationals, for their 7^th straight USPHL National appearance, 13 appearances over all.

Eels Premier head to Utica, New York for the USPHL Nationals on Tuesday, March 19^th, 2024. Although, the Eels have been preparing for this moment since they hit the ice in August 2023, they will have an additional practice March 20^th, 2024 in Utica before they hit the ice for game play March 21^st. The Eels will look forward to playing the USPHL’s best in this fierce competition as they work to bring home the championship and cup to Fort Myers, Florida. Eels Premier will take on the Potomac Patriots and the MJDP for their first two games of the seeding round March 21^st and March 22^nd, where they will then be reseeded for further play (future opponents to be announced). We know they will represent the Eels Organization and Community well, and wish all players, coaches and staff a safe journey and abundance of success at this years’ National Championship.

The Florida Eels want to take a moment to thank all of our parents and players who trusted us over their tenure with us. Having you as a part of our program and Eels family has been a tremendously rewarding gift. We are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of your lives, your development and your successes. The Eels organization doesn’t just look for talented athletes but high character individuals to be a part of our program. Watching our players take part in the community, with the local youth is something we are very proud of. Gentleman, we are very proud of you! To the Eels billet families who graciously took players into your homes and families we thank you! You are a big part of our Eels family, and we truly express our gratitude for providing our players the safe space and family comforts of your home. To our fans who have supported us over the past two decades, thank you! The Florida Eels fans are remarkable and stem across the whole world, local and global. We are truly so lucky to have such a supportive fan base and support network for our players.

The Eels administration wants to congratulate all our players on their regular season! Good Luck Eels Premier…bring it home boys!

 

 

 

Defense: Reid Wilson, Florida Eels

In his second Elite season, Wilson (‘04/Lacombe, Alb.) put up 17 points in 41 games after registering eight points as a rookie in 2022-23. He hopes to be able to return to the USPHL Nationals, after playing there last year. The Eels are moving on to play the Atlanta MadHatters this weekend. Wilson put up six assists in seven games, and was second on the Eels in hits in February with six.

 

Florida Eels Elite players had a great time with their new friends at Diplomat Elementary School in Cape Coral Florida Tuesday Morning, as they participated in Read Across America. The Florida Eels Junior program, is a very diverse and global organization. Much like us, “the students were from all over,” stated Captain JJ Diaz, “which was very cool to see.”

Players from the Elite team had the opportunity to read to multiple different classrooms Tuesday, and answered many questions about their game and position. Treyson White Florida Eels forward expressed, that he “truly enjoyed the enthusiasm and the kindness from all the children and staff at Diplomat Elementary school.” However, the reward in itself was the time spent with new friends and further developing young minds love of reading. Captain JJ Diaz stated, “reading is a such an important skill.  It’s beneficial for the brain with concentration, memory, and the ability to increase your imagination and creativity.”

Read Across America encourages visiting readers from all different professions, to come in and read to young students. It’s allows students to learn from community members and be inspired to pursue their passions.  White, Eels attendee, stated that he can only hope that the Eels were able to “inspire them to see how hard work and putting in 110% effort will help them achieve what they aspire to be.”

The Florida Eels are extremely grateful for the opportunity to have gone to Diplomat Elementary, Assistant Captain Reid Wilson states, “I loved being in the classroom. It was such a great feeling to be around so many wonderful young people. I feel like I enjoyed it as much as they did and can’t wait to do it again.” The Florida Eels look forward to future opportunities to work with our young community in the future.

 

The Florida Eels are excited to congratulate Jacob “Jack” Godbout on his decision to attend the University of Ottawa, where he will pursue a degree in the Bachelor of Laws, for the 2024-2025 academic year. Jacob Godbout moved to Florida, when he joined the Florida Eels Elite team two years ago in 2022-2023. After 13 games, and capturing 20 points, Jacob “Jack” Godbout, was called up to the Florida Eels Premier team. During his time with the Eels, Jacob has competed in a total of 85 games, scored 46 goals, helped with 73 assists and received 119 total points with his two seasons with Elite and Premier Eels. Jacob is a forced to be reckoned with on the ice.

The Florida Eels pride themselves in helping our players not only develop as hockey players but forging their path as individuals as well. The concept of education is widely talked about and of up most importance for our players. Jacob “Jack” Godbout, has decided to pursue his educational path and begin his future career. Godbout has chosen to attend the University of Ottawa, in Ontario Canada where he hopes to gain his law degree. University of Ottawa’s law program has been ranked 58^th in the world and 4^th in Canada. Godbout’s acceptance to the Laws Program, is an extremely remarkable achievement! The Florida Eels are exceedingly proud of Jacob’s ability to set his mind forward on his education and have no doubt he will attack this program with the same tenacity and skill that he puts forth on the ice.

Godbout a Canadian native says that playing for the Eels has been like having a second family. Jacob says that “the winning culture (of the Eels) is something that I really enjoy. The grind with the boys is some special and fun. To be able to do it for the past two years has been something I am really grateful for and going to miss.” Godbout, will head back to Canada where he will attend the University of Ottawa as a legacy, as he follows in his mother’s footsteps attending the University of Ottawa’s Bachelor of Laws program, “(she) has told me great things about the education, the campus and the spirit of the school. For me, it was a no brainer to go there. It is a dream come true.” Godbout credits his success of his dreams to his family, “I can’t describe how huge of an impact my family has been during those 2 years (in Florida). They are my number one fans. They are my best supporters, but most importantly they are my (role) models. I don’t think I would be at the same place in my life if they didn’t push (me) to become a better person every day. Hearing them say that they are proud of me, really means the world to me. I love them with all my heart.”

The Florida Eels hope to help our players not only develop the ability to persevere through all life’s’ may challenges and obstacles, through ideology of a “winning culture”, and that is exactly what Jacob “Jack” Godbout has embodied. Godbout not only excels as an athlete but as an academic mind. The Eels are beyond excited for Jacob and his future career as an attorney and wish him nothing but the best at the start of his academic journey in 2024-2025.

The Florida Eels are excited to announce the college commitment of three-year Premier veteran Devin Shepherd, to Framingham State University NCAA Division III, for the 2024-2025 season. Shepherd is excited to attend Framingham State University, as he has always wanted to live in the state of Massachusetts. Devin expresses an interest to study business and looks forward to being on campus in the Fall and to play competitive hockey with the Rams.

Michigan native Shepherd moved to Florida and joined the Eels in 2021. Although, Shepherd, “loved the beautiful weather and location of being in Florida,” what he enjoyed most is “the everyday grind with his teammates and pushing toward the same thing.” Playing three seasons with the Florida Eels Premier team, Shepherd has competed in 110 games, scored 22 goals, 52 assists with a total of 74 points in his three seasons. Shepherd a powerhouse forward, has been an essential member of the Eels Premier team over the past three seasons.  At 6’4” 198 lbs, Devin Shepherd was quickly noticed on the ice, by his opponents. During the 2021-2023 time span, the “coneheads”: Devin Shepherd, along with Noah Trathen and Jared Salminen continued to drive the puck to the back of the net time and time again each game.  Shepherds leadership was noticed as he was named an Assistant Captain for the Florida Eels Premier, and has been a driving force in the overall team comradery.

Shepherd is a high character player, both on and off the ice. With undeniable leadership qualities, Devin was one of the Premier players who participated in helping many members of the local Fort Myers/Cape Coral community before and after Hurricane Ian. Shepherds relentless drive to help the members of the community get back to normalcy was evident, just like his drive to win each shift.

Shepherd states that he “loved how much the Eels care about having all of their players get better every day as players and people.” Devin credits his success to his family. Shepherd is thankful for their unwavering support in his hockey career and supporting his future dreams of college hockey. It was with their support through the highs and lows, which allowed him to focus on his game and his training to reach these dreams. The Florida Eels are extremely excited for Devin to take the next step in his hockey career at Framingham State University. Shepherd marks the 356th player of the Eels family to embark on their college journey.

 

 

The Florida Eels want to congratulate the Florida Warriors U10 team on their SAHOF State Championship Win! The Florida Eels work closely with the Florida Warriors as part of  their development and mentor program. This season several key members of the Florida Eels Elite joined us from the Florida Warriors.

The SAHOF State Championship is a major accomplishment and acheivement for any player and we join in on the absolute extcitment of  the u10 team. We want to extend a congratulations to all Florida Warriors on a wonderful season, as we look forward to our continued relationship with the program and working with each of the players and furthering their development as hockey players.

The Florida Eels want to announce the college commitment of Tresor Wotton to Portage College in Alberta Canada. Tresor joined the Eels midseason from the Powell River Kings of the BCHL and his performance has been nothing short of spectacular. Prior to playing in the BCHL,  Tresor  played for the  Waywayseecappo Wolverines of the MJHL and the Yorkton Terriers of the SJHL.

For the Eels Wotton has played in 7 games posted a 1.87 GAA and an impressive .921 sav%. He has posted multiple shutouts in his Eels debut. From his inception in joining the Eels Tresor has been a leader. We had scouted him for over a year and was thrilled he decided to join the Eels during the season. Tresor is a high character young man who made his presence known on and off the ice. He fit right in with the guys and shown leadership from the first day with us. We look forward to our playoff run March 9-11^th at the Fort Myers Skatium and goals of advancing to the USPHL Nationals in Utica NY

Since joining the Eels Tresor has received a number of NCAA Div. III college offers, having impressed college coaches from across the USA. However, his desire and interest in returning back to Alberta and the prospects of playing for Portage College has set his commitment closer to home. Portage College plays in the Alberta College Hockey Conference.  They play in a tough and extremely competitive college hockey division facing teams like: the University of Alberta-Augustana, Briercrest College, Red Deer Polytechnic, SAIT University, NAIT University, Briercrest College, and Concordia University of Edmonton.

This is a very exciting time for Tresor who will be starting a new chapter in his life both as a University student and college athlete.  The Eels are proud to have played a part in him reaching and realizing his dreams and goals of playing college hockey. Tresor marks the 355th player from the Florida Eels to commit to college.

 

The final countdown is on, and the Florida Eels head into the last weekend of regular season home games. The Eels faced off against the Palm Beach Typhoon on Thursday, February 22nd in Lake Worth, Florida and are set to return home to play them again on Sunday, February 25^th  (Elite 10:30 am and Premier 1:00 pm) for their final regulation season home games. Although both the Eels Premier and Elite have clinched their spot in the Florida Divisional Playoffs March 9^th-11^th, these final games are essential to their placement in the seeding of the playoff rounds.

Florida Eels Premier claimed an 8-1 win against the Palm Beach Typhoon Thursday, February 22^nd.  . The Florida Eels opened their 8 goal game at 5:04 in the first, when Brayden Goddard secured the first goal, assisted by Ocean Angus and Anthony Zebley. Jacob “Jack” Godbout grabbed goal number two for the Eels, assisted by Devin Shepherd and Dario Zitko at 16:40 in the first period. Goal number three was secured by Anthony Zebley and assisted by Brayden Goddard and Ocean Angus at 19:26 in the first. Eels lead 3-0 at the end of the first. Brayden Goddard grabbed his second game goal, assisted by Noah Trathen and Jared Salminen at 5:45 in the second period. Jacob “Jack” Godbout followed with his second goal of the game, assisted by Brayden Goddard and Matthew Perry at 13:14. Eels pushed into the third with a 4-0 lead.  Noah Trathen grabbed goal six, assisted by Holden Beckett, and Braeden Bzovey at 4:26 in the third period. Palm Beach Typhoon scored their lone goal at 4:59 in the third period at 4:59. Sebastian Potter responded by scoring goal seven for the Eels, assisted by Mark Phillips and Anthony Zebley at 9:35 in the third. Dario Zitko grabbed the final eight goal, assisted by Brayden Goddard and Matthew Perry at 12:38 in the third period. With Tobias “Toby” Bell between the pipes Florida Eels Premier finalized the win 8-1.

The Florida Eels Elite battled the Palm Beach Typhoon to claim the 7-3 win on Thursday, February 22^nd. Florida Eels newcomber Thomas Harrow grabbed the first goal of the game, assisted by Yiorgos Bikakis at :58 in the first. Palm Beach Typhoon responded with their first goal of the game from Aaron Lentz at 4:35. Thomas Harrow, assisted by Cooper Bergman, grabbed his second goal of the game, pushing the Eels to regain the lead 2-1 at 18:00 in the first. However, the lead was short lived with Palm Beach Typhoon’s Luke Richards grabbed the Typhoon’s second game goal at 19:33 in the first. The game was deadlocked 2-2 at the end of the first. Palm Beach Typhoon grabbed an early lead 3-2 on the Florida Eels Elite, when Francesco “Frankie” Murano, scored the Typhoon’s third goal of the game. At 6:53 in the second Sean Burke tied the game for the Florida Eels, 3-3 unassisted. Thomas Harrow followed with his third goal of the game, assisted by Fynn O’Neill and Reid Wilson at 16:51. The Eels now lead 4-3 at the end of the second period. Florida Eels Yiorgos Bikakis scored goal number five, assisted by Fynn O’Neill at 11:45 in the third. Logan Slezak grabbed goal number six, assisted by Jeremie Ilunga-Molay and Thomas Harrow at 13:09. Eels Zayn Haddon-Harris grabbed goal seven, assisted by Julian Gagnon and Alex Cochran at 18:33. With Nate Haas between the pipes facing 31 shots, the Florida Eels Elite claimed the win 7-3

As we head into the last weekend of regular season home games we want to take a moment to thank you Eels Nation for your support for our teams and players. WE LOVE seeing each of you at our games and supporting the teams. This weekend we hope we can pack the house in our green and black attire for our last home game on Sunday, February 25^th as the Florida Eels take on the Palm Beach Typhoon one last time this season.

Join us for a fun filled day of hockey fun!!

Sunday, February 25^th, 2024 -Home Fort Myers Skatium

Elite 10:30 am

Premier- 1:00 pm

General Admission $5.00 all children 12 and under free admission.

 

 

 

Florida Eels Elite goaltender Anthony LaCroix commits to Oklahoma University ACHA Division I, for the 2024-2025 season. LaCroix a two-year veteran of the USPHL, joins the Eels this season after playing for the Islanders Hockey Club in 2022-2023. LaCroix has played 36 games during his tenure with the USPHL, winning 23 and losing only 9.

The Oklahoma native is set to return home as he sets forward in collegiate hockey career next season. We have no doubt that LaCroix will be a valued asset of the Oklahoma University Sooners, as he has been for the Florida Eels. LaCroix has been an additive backbone for the Florida Eels Elite team this season. He is fluid between the pipes and is consistent in his game. LaCroix continues to face difficult games with a calm and poised demeaner.

Anthony LaCroix marks the 354^th Florida Eels player to transition into the collegiate hockey world.

Florida Eels face off against the Tampa Bay Juniors Thursday, February 15^th in Wesley Chapel, Florida at the Advent Health Center Rink. Florida Eels and Tampa Bay Juniors have continued to have intense split games throughout the season. As the Eels head to Tampa, they prepare to bring home the win.

After a recovery week, the Eels Premier and Elite have spent numerous hours preparing for this weeks’ upcoming games against Tampa Bay Juniors on Thursday, with a quick turn-around double game series against the Florida Junior Blades this weekend. The Eels used their off week to continue to train and prepare, while taking time to heal and get any needed rest. The Eels are now fiercely ready for this week and prepared to battle for the win.

Florida Eels Premier are currently in second place in the Florida Division with five regular season games left, and sitting at 54 points. Tampa Bay Juniors are currently sitting in third place with five regular season games left, and sitting at 50 points. Although both teams have clinched their spot to the Florida Divisional Playoffs at the beginning of March, these last few games are crucial for the each of the teams’ placement in the play off rounds. Florida Eels sit just behind the Bold City Battalion, who currently sit in first place, with a tied 54 points but one less Shootout Loss-allowing them to hold the first place slot. Florida Eels hope to secure the win against Tampa Bay Juniors keeping hold of the second-place title and perhaps propelling forward to first place before end of regular season.

Florida Eels Elite are currently in third place in the Florida Division with five regular season games left, and sitting at 53 points. Tampa Bay Juniors currently sit in first place in the Florida Division with five regular season games left, and sitting at 63 points. Although Florida Eels Elite and Tampa Bay Juniors Elite have clinched a playoff spot, in the Florida Divisional Playoffs, this weeks’ game, takes the Eels Elite one step further in the final determination of their placement in the Florida Divisional Playoffs. The Eels Elite are preceded by the Atlanta Mad Hatters who currently hold the second-place title, in the Florida Elite Division, with three regular season games left, with 54 points. With a win against Tampa Bay Juniors, the Eels Elite could forge their way to the second-place spot in the division.

Ready for Thursday’s game action? We are too! The Florida Eels Premier face-off against the Tampa Bay Juniors at 12:30 PM, followed by the Florida Eels Elite at 3:15 PM. Join us live at the Advent Health Center Rink, in Wesely Chapel, Florida or stream the game live on FloHockey.

The Florida Eels are prepared to go full steam ahead as we wrap up the last five regular season games and gear up for the play-off round. Each game is a potential point and seed placer for the Eels and is not taken lightly. As we gear up for the end of regular season regulation games and prepare for out playoff run, we remind you: Eels Nation, this is our moment to take it all. Help us get to the next phase of our championship goal. Use the QR Code below to help make a small donation towards our post season expenses.