The Florida Eels are pleased to announceThomas Steerecommitment to the University of New Hampshire ACHA Division II College Hockey Program.

This is the Florida Eels 241st player to advance to College Hockey Programs. Tom Steere is the Eels 6thCollege Commitment for the 2018-19 playing season. This season the Eels are expected to move on 12 players to college hockey.

Tom Steere, a 1999 6’4” 210 pound goalie from Exeter, NH,. joined the Eels last season after playing Prep School for Groton Schoolfor two seasons. Tom split time between the Florida Eels Premier team and Elite teams this season. At the Premier level he did extremely well with a 2.35 GAA. This time spoke volumes towards his player development. On the Elite team Steere performances were stellar throughout the season where he backstopped the team in 16 games with a 2.20 GAA and a very impressive .930 Sav.%. In the playoffs he was equally strong and played in all 5 games with a 2.51 GAA and a Sav.% of .911 He was awarded player of the week several times by the league and once Player Of The Month All Star.

Premier Head Coach Frank Scarpaci commented: Steere has outstanding skill set. He tracks the puck with great vision. Excellent rebound control; battles forwards and has great anticipation and insight. He has a fast glove. He recovers with ease. Has adapted very well to the Junior game. Great one-on- one against shooters.

Eels Elite Coach Alex Sanchez commented: Tom is a shutdown goalie. Great size. Uses his big body to his advantage. Leaves little area to be scored on. He was a true leader on and off the ice and understands what it takes to get to the next level. Outstanding in the locker-room. He takes his job in between the pipes very serious. He is a student of the game. Plays with a high compete level.

GM Scarpaci notes, Tom did his research and really loves UNH. It is a big-name school but has a small New England College atmosphere. From an academic perspective, UNH is one of the top Universities in the Nation and it has the program he wants to study. He is a very serious student and academics is paramount. He will thrive in in this environment but in hockey, in school and in the community. Tomis no stranger to hard work. He is often found at the rink 2 hours prior to practice and is one of the most determined and dedicated players on the Eels program. He will bring those intangibles to UNH ACHA hockey program and to the college community. GM Scarpaci concludes, Tom comes from a warm and supportive family who have made enormous sacrifices over the years to help him realize his dreams. It makes us very proud as the Eels family to have had a part in his development as a person and hockey player. We wish Tom Steere well.