This weekend the Florida Eels plays host to the Atlanta Madhatters. The Eels Premier team has thus far won 3 games over the Jr. Blades and lost 1 to Tampa in this early stage of the season. Atlanta on the other hand won 2 and lost 2. They defeated the Colonials and lost one. They lost one to the Carolina Hurricanes and won one. It is very hard to predict or evaluate the level of any of the teams as it is much too early in the season.

 

By the same token the Eels Elite team also sits 3-1 in the young season. They too lost to Tampa in the opening weekend and defeated the Jr Blades last weekend in one and swept their double header this past weekend.

 

A look at the Madhatters rosters showed they have measurably improved their team. They added size and depth upfront, on the blueline and in net. Their Premier team has 2 wins and 2 losses on the season, defeating the Charleston Colonials in one out of two contest and one win and one loss vs the Carolina Hurricanes. They have scored 15 goals and allowed 16 for a minus 1 on the season.

 

The Elite squad has 1 win 2 losses and OT loss in the short season. They scored 5 goals thus far but allowed 12. That is a minus thus far on the season.

 

These numbers are a small sample size and are not an accurate barometer on the season’s predictions. No doubt the Madhatters and the Eels had some pretty competitive games last season and we expect nothing different this year. In fact, if you recall Atlanta’s Elite squad  upset Tampa last year in the playoffs  to earn the right to advance to Nationals. That was huge for them. A feather in their cap and a sting the Tampa Juniors had to swallow all off season. Let that be a lesson , never take your opponent for granted.  The Eels have many new faces to complement our returning veterans and they played very strong over the last 3 games, averaging close to 6 goals per game both on the Elite and Premier Divisions.

 

We hope you can all join us live at the Fort Myers Skatium this Saturday and Sunday or on HockeyTV