With a storied legacy of over 400 college commitments, the Eels look to build on early-season chemistry and dominant top-line production.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Fresh off a high-powered opening weekend highlighted by a convincing 6–2 cross-town rivalry victory over the Jr. Blades, the Florida Eels NCDC and Premier teams are locking in for a two-game road series against the Florida Surge in Jacksonville.

As one of North America’s premier player-development powerhouses in junior hockey, the Eels enter the series focused on establishing their signature fast-paced, high-accountability identity while integrating over 40 talented new roster additions across both squads.

A Legacy of Advancement & Championship Culture

For over two decades, the Florida Eels organization has operated under a relentless commitment to player development out of the Fort Myers Skatium. That standard has built one of the nation’s most respected pipelines for higher-level hockey:

• 400+ College Advancements: The Eels program has propelled over 400 players into NCAA Division I, Division III, and top ACHA collegiate programs.

• Next-Level Pipeline: With dozens of alumni competing in NCAA college hockey in recent seasons alone, the program’s combination of intense on-ice instruction, off-ice conditioning, and character development remains gold-standard.

Early High Voltage: The Charon-Lath-Nilsson Connection

The Eels’ NCDC squad showcased its explosive offensive potential during opening weekend, driven by a veteran top line that set the ice on fire. In Sunday’s statement win against the Jr. Blades, the trio combined for 4 goals and 6 assists (10 total points):

• Xavier Charon (F): Led the charge with 2 goals and 1 assist, showcasing two-way dominance and clinical finishing.
• Arvid Lath (F): Served as the primary playmaker, dissecting defenses to post 1 goal and 3 assists.
• Arvid Nilsson (F): Contributed 1 goal and 2 assists while delivering veteran leadership on and off the bench.
• Spencer Hambling (D): Anchored the blue line with a goal and an assist, providing calm defensive composure under pressure.

“With so many new faces on the roster, seeing our leadership group step up and set the tone right away is vital,” said the Eels coaching staff. “Time on the road early in the season is invaluable. It’s where chemistry is forged, trust is built, and team culture takes root.”

Matchup Breakdown: Florida Eels vs. Florida Surge

Both squads head into Jacksonville with clear objectives against a Surge organization eager to defend home ice:

Team	Eels Status & Momentum	Surge Status
NCDC	Coming off a dominant 6–2 victory against the Jr. Blades; top line firing on all cylinders.	Sitting at 1–1 following a 5–3 win over the Jr. Blades and a 4–1 loss to the Jr. Cats.
Premier	Strong opening efforts showing chemistry growth; eager to turn early lessons into full 60-minute wins.	Looking to bounce back on home ice after dropping both opening weekend matchups.

The focus for both Eels teams in Jacksonville centers on sustained 60-minute effort, sharp three-zone execution, and bringing home another sweep for Fort Myers.