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USPHL Elite Playoffs: Florida Division Preview

By Jim DenHollander/USPHL.com, 02/28/20, 6:30PM EST

 

Florida Eels (26-14-2-2) vs. Charleston Colonials (14-27-3-0)

The expansion Colonials achieved a first season goal by reaching the postseason, but they will face a tough challenge beginning against the Florida Eels, who matched their Premier league brethrenas Florida Division regular season champions.

The Eels beat off a challenge from the Tampa Bay Junior who wrapped up second place just three points back while the Colonials ended up six points out of third and six points ahead of fifth.

The previous season saw the Eels finish second, wrapping it up with 60 points, four more than this season.

The Eels and Colonials squared off five times this season, all before the Christmas Break. The Eels won the first four, sweeping sets at home and on the road. The Colonials figured out a way to beat the Eels at the Florida Showcase on Dec. 14.

 

Tampa Bay Juniors (25-16-3-0) vs. Atlanta Mad Hatters (17-24-2-1)

The Juniors wrapped up the season with three straight wins but couldn’t catch the Eels. The bar could be set high for this team that finished second as well a season ago with 66 points, 13 more than this season.They earned an automatic berth to Nationals and took full advantage, reaching the National Championship game before falling to the Richmond Generals.

The MadHatters are new to the Florida Division, but the Elite squad was competitive all year long.

The two teams met eight times this season with some radically different results. In the first two, at Atlanta Oct 12-13, the teams split, the MadHatters grabbing the first by a 5-2 margin and the Juniors rallying bacon home ice Nov. 23-24. Later, the Mad Hatters got a2-1, 5-4 sweep on home ice Jan. 18-19.

The teams met last weekend to wrap up the season in Tampa, and the home team dominated, taking two wins by a decisive score.

 

All games in both Florida Division series will be played at the Fort Myers Skatium (second team listed is home team)

 

Saturday

Charleston Colonials vs. Florida Eels 9 a.m. EST

Atlanta Mad Hatters vs. Tampa Bay Juniors 12 p.m.

 

Sunday

Atlanta Mad Hatters vs. Tampa Bay Juniors 9 a.m.

Charleston Colonials vs. Florida Eels 12 p.m.

 

Monday (If necessary)

Charleston Colonials vs. Florida Eels 9 a.m.

Atlanta Mad Hatters vs. Tampa Bay Juniors 12 p.m.

CONGRATS PLAYER OF THE WEEK GOALTENDER: KARLIS MEZSARGS, FLORIDA EELS

28 FEB | BY FRANK SCARPACI

USPHL Elite: South Region Players Of The Week
By USPHL Staff/USPHL.com , 02/28/20, 1:15PM EST

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Congratulations to this trio of Players Of The Week from the Florida and Southeast Divisions of the USPHL Elite.

Forward: Ronan Keenan, Tampa Bay Juniors

In a weekend that turned out to be a playoff preview against Atlanta, the Juniors’ big ‘03 Keenan racked up five goals and five assists for 10 points, putting him into a final spot of fourth overall in USPHL Elite scoring. He finished with 23-34-57 totals in 39 games played.

During the final weekend of the regular season, he had a hat trick and assist in the first game, and then went 2-4-6 the next day. Now, Tampa takes on Atlanta once again starting Saturday with a return trip to Nationals on the line.

Defense: Colin Farley, Tampa Bay Juniors

In addition to keeping the MadHatters to three goals all weekend (all in Saturday’s win), Farley was able to add two goals and four assists total for a six-point weekend.

Farley (‘01/Fort Collins, Colo.) played for the former Jr. Kings in Atlanta last year, but opted for the change to Tampa this year, where he was one of only two players – along with fellow defenseman Rasmus Tillander – to play in all 44 of the Juniors’ regular season games. He finished the season with 22 points on the season.

Goaltender: Karlis Mezsargs, Florida Eels

The Eels are heading into the playoffs super-confident in their chances to reach the National Championships between March 12-16 in Massachusetts. Whether it’s forward, defense or goaltending, the Eels have remained a solid team all season, leading to yet another Florida Division title.

Mezsargs (‘03/Riga, Latvia) is a big reason for their success, having gone 8-7-0-1 with a .924 save percentage for the season. Most recently, in a pair of games on Feb. 20 and 23 against the Florida Jr. Blades, he stopped 58 of 59 shots, including a 29-save shutout in his regular season finale for a 4-0 win.

USPHL PREMIER PLAYOFFS: FLORIDA DIVISION PREVIEW

28 FEB | BY FRANK SCARPACI

USPHL Premier Playoffs: Florida Division Preview
By Jim DenHollander/USPHL.com, 02/28/20, 1:15PM EST

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Florida Eels (32-9-2-1) vs. Florida Junior Blades (16-23-3-2)

The Eels have not just dominated the Florida Division this season, they have been among the best teams in the league once again and enjoyed a great deal of success at the Showcase events theyattended.

A 6-4 record down the season’s home stretch might not sound like a world-beating number but consider the fact the Eels turned in some solid and competitive games despite having clinched the division crown and playing against teams that were probably a little more desperate for the two points.

Watch for the Eels to turn up the intensity level again once the playoff puck is dropped.

Last season the Eels finished with 59 points so this year has seen an eight-point improvement from a team that was already best in the division. The Eels advanced to the National Championship tournament last season and this time around it will look to improve on a 1-1-1 showing in a tough pool.

The Junior Blades clinched the fourth and final playoff spot in the five-team Florida Division with a few games to spare, but also entertained thoughts of climbing as high as second until the last couple weeks. A 5-5 run down the stretch clinched the playoff spot but didn’t allow for any other movement.

But last season’s playoff adventure dictates not counting this team out.

Last year, the Blades picked up just 23 regular season points – 11 fewer than this season, but they saved the best for last, earning a playoff upset to get into the National Championship tournament, where they went undefeated, including a 2-2 tie with the regular season champion Metro Jets and wins against two other teams. But ultimately math kept them out of the semifinal round.

The Eels vs. Blades rivalry might be the oldest in the Premier league and no matter where they are in the standings, the games between these two teams are always fierce and usually close.

This past season the teams made the short trip to play each other eight times and seven went to the Eels. Games were closer in the first half of the season, the Eels capturing all but one, including two overtime wins while the Blades also picked up a one-goal edge. They played four more times since Valentines Day and the Eels took care of business in all four by three or more goals.

Tampa Bay Juniors (21-20-2-1) vs. Charleston Colonials (21-21-2)

An impressive run to the finish line including a couple wins against the first place Eels helped the Tampa Bay Juniors take second in the division with a one-point margin on the Charleston Colonials who ran into some tough competition down the stretch, including some crossover matches with Southeast Division teams.

The 7-3-0-0 record for the Juniors down the stretch was best in the division, both the Eels and Colonials close behind though at 6-4. Snatching second place from the Colonials is impressive and means the Juniors will have home team advantage in theirNational Championship qualifier playoff but the advantage is trimmed a bit as all games will be played at the Skatium in Fort Myers.

Last season the Juniors wrapped up league play with 35 points – good enough then for second place in the group even with 13fewer points than this season. The team learned not to underestimate an opponent though, upset in the Best of Three playoff by the Blades, despite a 10-goal win for the Juniors in the middle game.

The Colonials are an expansion team in the Southeast Division so there is no playoff history to go by.

The Juniors and Colonials squared off four times this past season. The first two at Charleston Oct. 19-20 went to the Juniors while the Colonials took both at Tampa Jan. 11-12, the second game a 5-4 overtime triumph.

Playoff Schedule— All four teams from the Florida Division will gather at the Skatium in Fort Myers this weekend for playoffs which will advance two teams to the National Championship tournament. Schedule for the Playoffs is listed below.

Saturday

3 p.m. – Florida Junior Blades @ Florida Eels

6 p.m. – Charleston Colonials @ Tampa Bay Juniors

Sunday

3 p.m. – Charleston Colonials @ Tampa Bay Juniors

6 p.m. – Florida Junior Blades @ Florida Eels

Monday (If necessary)

3 p.m. – Florida Junior Blades @ Florida Eels

6 p.m. – Charleston Colonials @ Tampa Bay Juniors

USPHL FLORIDA DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
26 FEB | BY FRANK SCARPACI

Florida Division Playoff Schedule

Hosted by Florida EelsFort Meyers Skatium 2250 Broadway
Fort Meyers, FL 33901

Game Schedules

Feb 29th 2020 Puck Drop 9:00 am Elite Florida Eels vs Charleston Colonials

Feb 29th 2020 Puck Drop noon Elite Tampa Jrs vs Atlanta Madhatters

Feb 29th 2020 Puck Drop 3:00 pm Premier Florida Eels vs Jr Blades

Feb 29th 2020 Puck Drop 6:00 pm Premier Tampa Jrs vs Charleston Colonials

March 1st 2020 Puck Drop 9:00 am Elite Tampa Jrs vs Atlanta Madhatters

March 1st 2020 Puck Drop noon Elite Florida Eels vs Charleston Colonials

March 1st 2020 Puck Drop 3:00 pm Premier Tampa Jrs vs Charleston Colonials

March 1st 2020 Puck Drop 6:00 pm Premier Florida Eels vs Jr Blades

*If Necessary (Times will change if teams win out in 2 games)

March 2nd 2020 Puck Drop 9:00 am Elite Florida Eels vs Charleston Colonials
March 2nd 2020 Puck Drop noon Elite Tampa Jrs vs Atlanta Madhatters
March 2nd 2020 Puck Drop 3:00 pm Premier Florida Eels vs Jr Blades

March 2nd 2020 Puck Drop 6:00 pm Premier Tampa Jrs vs Charleston Colonials

Florida Eels Premier and Elite Teams Finish First In The Florida Division

By Frank Scarpaci, 02/24/20, 8:45PM EST

 

Both of the Florida Eels Premier and Elite teams finished first in the Florida Division. In fact, the Eels are the only program in the entire USPHL to have both of its teams finishing first in the Premier and Elite Divisions. That is amazing. What is even more phenomenal is the that the Eels Premier and Elite teams not only finished first over all in their divisions, they held on to that first place spot the entire season! It is an incredible accomplishment when a team is planted in first place for the entire season. That shows some impressive work and skill by the players and coaches. They had to be doing something right.

 

In the case of the Eels what makes this especially impressive is that 7 players from the Elite team were moved up to the Premier team including their top forwards Easton Moore from Alberta, Canada who had 11 goals and 24 assists; high energy forward from Montreal, Canada Ryan Goral; the Elite teams top defensive pairing of Clement Espinasse from France and Pavel Timochkofrom the Ukraine; ace goalie Alexandre Caronfrom Montreal; and rookie goalie Jeremy Vaillancourt from Montreal. Several other Elite players have also been brought up at various times during the season to help with injuries on the Premier squad. Generally, when an Elite team loses that many key guys, the team falters and slips in the standings, and quite frankly struggles to make the playoffs. Not the case with the Eels. It is a tribute to the Eels player development program to be able to train and develop players to take over and become impact players. And that is exactly what the Eels did.

 

You see the interesting thing about the Eels program is you won’t see our players in the top 10 in the player stats. This team is built on a balance attack. You will see on the Premier team for example 3 lines that could be a first line on any junior program in our league. And the 4th line would be a 2nd line anywhere. Our defense is the same. We can roll out line after line and it is seamless. On the Premier team we have: Jared Figueroa F (NJ) 21 goals 29 assists 50 points; Jens Petersen F (Denmark) 12 goals 35 assists; Demeed PodrezovF (Russia) with only 30 games played with 15 goals 31 assists; Jake Court  F (FL) 18 goals 33 assists; Gage Dill F (FL) 18 goals 32 assists; Adam Gaudet F (Montreal) 21 goals 18 assists; TJ Zebley F (FL) 12 goals 26 assists; Egor Nosov D (Ruusia) 7 goals 26 assists; Regnars Udris D (Latvia) 6 goals 23 assists;  Maksim Tereshchenko  F (Russia) 28 games 18 goals 10 assists and of course with the league’s top goalie Jakub Kostelny 27 games played 21 wins 1600 minutes .919 Sav% 2.85 GAA

 

 

 

On the Elite side you have top forward Gavin Medina F (CO) with 16 goals and 33 assists; Adam Burtzlaff  F (CO) 15 goals and 34 assists; Mikhail MelikovD (Russia) 21 goals 14 assists; Tanner SmithF (WI) 11 goals 22 assists; Matthew CliftF (CO) 13 goals and 18 assists Kaleb HarropF (STL) 15 goals and 10 assists; and  TJ McLeodF (CO) 7 goals and 15 assists and Anthony Sozio  F (FL)  with 30 games played with 6 goals 15 assists  and they have 3 of the top goalies in the league with multiple time player of the week and player of the month selections in Andrew Van Ooteghem(AZ); Karlis Mezsargs(LAV) and Thomas Steere(NH).

 

Even though both teams finished in first place, they have their eye on the big prize. The big picture:  Nationals. We know we cannot look that far ahead. The teams are in 1stplace in their Division and that means first seed in the Florida Division playoffs. The playoffs are held at a Mini Super site: The Fort Myers Skatium in Fort Myers, Fl. Represented in the Florida Division are teams not only from Florida but Georgia and South Carolina as well.

 

For the Premier Division it is the Florida Eels 1stseed, the Charleston Colonials #2 seed, Tampa Bay Juniors #3 seed, and the Florida Jr. Blades #4 seed.  On the Elite side it is the Florida Eels #1 seed, Tampa Bay Juniors #2 seed, the Atlanta Madhatters #3 seed and the Charleston Colonials #4 seed. The games are the best 2 out of 3 series and they commence this weekend Saturday February 29th, Sunday March 1st,and if necessary, Monday March 2nd.

 

The Eels are anything but complacent. They continue to follow their work out schedule – 3 hours minimum training a day. They are as focused and determined as ever. They are excited about finishing first in each of the divisions, but they know they are entering their second season and that is the playoffs. That is first and foremost on their minds.

 

Coach Frankie Scarpaci says, “the key to the Eels program is consistency.  Any program can finish first for one year.  The difference with the Florida Eels is that both teams have consistently been first or second in their divisions for well over a decade.  We have a tremendous track record of developing players.  We are one of the top programs in all of junior hockey to advance players to college.”

The Florida Eels Premier Team Sweeps the Florida Jr. Blades in Weekend Home and Away Series

 

The Eels came on fire this weekend to finish its regular season outscoring their crosstown rivals 11-2 in their two-game series to wrap up the regular season. The Eels Premier team in fact won 7 out of the 8 contest this season . The Eels put on a clinic in the weekend games defeating the Jr. Blades 5-1 and again on Sunday 6-1. In the 8 games the Eels outscored the Jr Blades 44 to 21.

 

The two teams square off this weekend in the Florida Division playoffs. The Eels as the 1stseed and the Jr Blades the 4thseed.

 

The Eels finished this season with 32 wins and accumulated 67 points.

FLORIDA EELS PREMIER TEAM DOMINATED PLAY FRIDAY NIGHT AS THEY DEFEATED THE JR. BLADES 5-1 AT HERTZ ARENA

 

The Florida Eels Premier Team Out gunned the Jr Blades in a near perfect game for the Eels. The Eels were flying high and put 5 by the Blades net minder. Quite frankly the Eels could have put another 4-5 in last night. Nothing was stopping these guys. The goal scoring was accented by a short handed goal by Jake Court and with a huge Eels crowd in attendance the place went wild.

Equally impressive in last night’s game was the Eels dominance in net and its defense. You could see the Eels were in playoff mode and they are eager to get to next week’s playoffs.

The Elite and Premier teams finish their regular season games with final matches vs their cross town rivals the Florida Jr. Blades. The Blades Elite team is out of playoff contention while the Premier team finished in 4th place. Thus the Eels Premier team will play the Jr Blades in playoffs.

This Sunday the Elite square off at 10:15 am while the Premier play at 1:00 pm