Author: Nicole Scarpaci

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.

The Florida Eels and Florida Jr. Blades split their exhibition series, with the Eels bouncing back to capture a 4–2 victory on Monday, September 21, after falling just short in a 5–4 battle on Friday, September 18.

Monday’s matchup saw the Eels come out ready to make a statement. Jimmy Rafferty opened the scoring, putting the Eels on the board with the first goal of the game and setting the tone for the day.

Eels veteran Paxton Campbell took center stage, finding the back of the net twice in the victory. Campbell’s offensive performance was fueled by strong support from Cooper Martineau and Benjamin Wong, who picked up assists.

Eels newcomer Curtiss Gordon also made his mark, burying a goal with assists from Logan Cameron and veteran defenseman Derrick Pedersen, helping secure the 4–2 win and close out the exhibition series on a high note.

Regular Season Starts Now

With exhibition play in the books, the Eels are officially turning their attention toward a busy opening weekend on the road.

On Friday, September 24, the Eels head to the Panther’s Den to open regular-season action against the Jr. Cats. The Eels Premier squad takes the ice at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Eels NCDC team at 2:30 p.m.

The action continues Sunday, September 27, when the Eels return to Southwest Florida and head south to Hertz Arena in Estero for another showdown with the Florida Jr. Blades. Premier gets things started at 9:00 a.m., before NCDC takes center stage at 12:00 p.m.

The exhibition games are over. Now, the games count.

Come out and support the Eels live or follow the action on Black Bear TV as the Florida Eels officially drop the puck on the 2026–27 season!

LET’S GO EELS! 🐍🏒

 

Some stories come full circle.

For the Florida Eels Junior Hockey Club, few alumni embody the values of the organization more than Joseph “Joey” Giambalvo. A proud New York native, Joey was one of the pioneering members of the Florida Eels program, helping build the club’s foundation from 2008 through 2013. Today, he has traded in his hockey stick for entrepreneurship, leading one of Florida’s fastest-growing family businesses—Stuff A Bagel—alongside the Giambalvo family.

What began as a passion for hockey has evolved into a business empire. With Stuff A Bagel locations stretching from the Orlando-Disney area through Cape Coral and Fort Myers, the Giambalvo family has built a brand synonymous with quality, hard work, and community—values that were first forged on the ice.

A Legacy Built in Black and Green

During his Eels career, Joey was the definition of leadership. Serving as team captain, he suited up for more than 130 games, proudly wearing the Eels crest while recording an impressive 136 career points. A natural goal scorer with an uncanny ability to find the back of the net, Joey’s relentless work ethic and commitment to excellence made him one of the organization’s most respected players.

But behind every great player stood an unforgettable family.

Anyone who attended Eels games during Joey’s career remembers the unmistakable Giambalvo cheering section. Grandparents, parents Joe and Lisa, and sisters Sabrina, Francesca, and Marissa transformed every arena into a sea of black and green. From dyed hair and painted faces to thunderous cheers after every goal, the Giambalvo’s weren’t simply spectators—they were the heartbeat of the Eels family.

Their passion became legendary.

The Giambalvo’s represented everything the Florida Eels strive to instill in every player: integrity, family, commitment, and hard work.

Those same principles have become the cornerstone of their business success. Whether serving customers at Stuff A Bagel or supporting the communities they call home, the Giambalvo family continues to demonstrate the same dedication that made Joey such a respected captain years ago.

Now, that commitment has come home.

Giving Back to the Next Generation

The Florida Eels are proud to announce that Joey Giambalvo and his younger sister, Marissa Giambalvo, owner and operator of the Stuff A Bagel Orlando-Disney location, have returned—not as players or fans, but as proud alumni and sponsors.

The Giambalvo’s are the official sponsors of the Florida Eels and the NCDC jerseys, helping outfit the next generation of Eels who will proudly wear the same crest Joey wore with distinction for five unforgettable seasons.

Their sponsorship is more than a logo on a jersey.

It is a reminder that the Florida Eels are a family for life. Players may graduate, careers may change, and businesses may flourish, but the bond created inside the Eels organization never fades.

The Florida Eels are honored to welcome Joey and Marissa Giambalvo back into the organization in this exciting new role.

Their journey—from passionate hockey family, to championship-caliber player, to successful business owners, and now generous supporters of the program—serves as an inspiration to every young athlete who dreams of wearing the Eels crest.

Thank you, Joey, Marissa, and the entire Giambalvo family, for continuing to invest in the future of Florida Eels hockey.

Once an Eel. Always an Eel.

 

“Where Opportunity Meets Exposure. The path to the next level starts here.”

The Florida Eels are once again heading to the Pro -Am Senior Chowder Cup, one of North America’s premier summer hockey showcases. This year, the excitement reaches another level as the tournament is combined with the Florida Eels NCDC Main Camp, creating one of the most valuable exposure opportunities available to aspiring junior hockey players.

The Eels will proudly ice two teams in this year’s Senior Chowder Cup, featuring talented prospects from across North America who will make their Florida Eels debut while competing against some of the best players in junior hockey.

Throughout the event, the Florida Eels NCDC and Premier coaching staffs, along with the organization’s head administrative team, will be evaluating talent and identifying players who have what it takes to become part of the Eels’ winning tradition.

The Pro-Am Senior Chowder Cup is recognized throughout the hockey world as a destination for elite talent and unparalleled exposure. Scouts and decision-makers from the NHL, NCAA, ACHA, Major Junior, Junior A, and other junior organizations will be in attendance, providing players with the opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of those who can help shape their future.

For the Florida Eels, this event is more than just a tournament—it’s an opportunity to identify the next generation of players who are ready to compete, develop, and advance. With a proven history of helping hundreds of athletes reach collegiate and junior hockey, the Eels continue to provide one of the strongest development pathways in North America.

Whether your goal is to earn a roster spot with the Florida Eels, gain valuable exposure, or take the next step toward collegiate or professional hockey, there is no better stage than the Pro -Am Senior Chowder Cup and Florida Eels NCDC Main Camp.

Where opportunity meets exposure. Where dreams become reality. Where your future begins. We look forward to seeing all participants there!