The Eels Premier and Elite team are back in form regaining their natural place in the Florida Division and the League. A few weeks ago they were sitting in the middle of the pack as they had so many fewer games then the other teams in The Florida Division because of abstained games with the two Hurricanes.
But they have inched away each day. The schedule had to undergo major revisions and the Eels were forced to play games almost every other day. This was a herculean challenge as were also nursing numerous injuries on both squads. Normally teams are able to have practices during their off days but the Eels had to play games to recapture the count. There is no time to make adjustments or corrections when you have a schedule like this. Additionally the travel to Atlanta and then a quick turn around to Indiana was extremely taxing.
But the Eels showed many doubters what they are made of. The 3 ½ weeks of pre season training the 4 ½ hour a day 5 days per week training all proved so valuable for the players endurance determination fortitude and development. Indeed, when we had to bring up players from our Elite squad to fill in, they did so seamlessly. In fact, the lite players made major accomplishments in their games.
Now the Eels are right neck on neck with the Tampa Bay Juniors for first place in the standings. But interestingly enough that is not the Eels ultimate goal. We are more focused on player development, it is far ore important to make sure all of our players , from the 1st two lines to 3rd an 4th lines and defensive pairs be very close in parity. It is depth that will win the playoffs. It is depth that will get us to Nationals and win the title. So along the way if we take first place great but we have a much bigger picture.
We ask you to join us tomorrow Sunday at the Ft Myers Skatium as we take on cross town rivals the Florida Junior Blades. They are looking to gain some day light in the standings as it is a battle between them, Atlanta, Jacksonville and Palm Beach
Game times are as follows. 9:00 am Elite and Premier 12 noon.
