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The Florida Eels organization is proud to celebrate a major milestone for Elite goaltender alumnus Chris McFayden, whose development journey continues to reach new heights.

McFayden, who guarded the crease for the Florida Eels Elite during the 2020–2021 season, exemplifies the pathway from junior hockey to collegiate success. Following his time in Fort Myers, McFayden advanced to Penn State University, where he competed at the ACHA level, continuing to refine his game against top collegiate talent.

His dedication, work ethic, and consistent performance have now paid off in a significant way. McFayden was recently called up to the Penn State NCAA Division I hockey team, marking an outstanding achievement and a testament to his persistence and growth as a goaltender.

The call-up underscores not only McFayden’s individual commitment but also the Florida Eels’ long-standing mission of preparing players for advancement at the collegiate level. From Elite hockey to ACHA competition and now earning an opportunity at the NCAA level, McFayden’s progression highlights the Eels’ proven development model for aspiring student-athletes.

The Florida Eels congratulate Chris McFayden on this well-earned opportunity and look forward to watching his continued success at Penn State. His journey serves as inspiration for current and future Eels striving to reach the next level of hockey.

The Florida Eels Premier program will be proudly represented on one of the biggest stages in junior hockey, as several Eels head to the USPHL Premier All-Star Game, taking place January 26–27 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

Leading the charge behind the bench, Florida Eels Premier Head Coach has been named the South Division Florida Coach for the All-Star Event — a testament to the high level of coaching, leadership, and competitive excellence being built in Fort Myers. Scarpaci, has been at the helm of the Eels Premier team for over a decade, bringing for tremendous amounts of passion, drive and knowledge to his players. Scarpaci, has continued to produce teams that have served center stage at the USPHL Nationals, at a competitive level. His incredible drive, tenacity is unmatched and has propelled him to new heights most recently taking on the role of General Manager in addition to his Premier Head Coach status.

 

On the ice, the Eels will showcase their talent with multiple player selections to the prestigious event. Premier Assistant Captains Gino Indelicato (Forward) and Derrick Pedersen (Defense) have earned spots on the USPHL All-Star South Team, recognizing their consistency, skill, leadership and impact throughout the season. It comes to no surprise to Eels fans that both Indelicato and Pedersen will represent the Eels on the South team, at the All-Star event. Idelicato starring in over 150 career games, securing 199 points-a whopping 52 points this season alone. A key factor to the Eels offensive line up, Indelicato continues to find a point or more a game. Pedersen, sitting at 6’2” 205lbs, is a force to be reckoned with in the D-Zone. In addition to his powerhouse defensive tactics, Pedersen is known for his enate ability to help develop plays and find the back of the net, with 43 USPHL Career games, and 45 career points, Pedersen is averaging roughly a point a game. Their abilities go beyond their skill, as they represent the Eels not only in skill, but in character and leadership ability.

Between the pipes, Eels Premier Goaltender Filip Vitanov continues to turn heads on the national stage, earning selection as the U18 All-Star Prospects Red Team Goaltender, further highlighting the Eels’ commitment to player development and advancement. Vitanov second year veteran for the Eels organization, moved up to the Premier team this season, after playing on the Elite team last season. Vitanov has been steady and consistent in his play between the pipes throughout the season. Vitanov, an 07’ Goaltender continues to demonstrate skill, development and commitment through his training, and his playing style.

From coaching leadership to exceptional on-ice performance, the Florida Eels’ presence at the USPHL All-Star Game reinforces the program’s rising status and competitive standard. All eyes will be on Foxboro as the Eels represent Florida — and the South Division — with pride.

Read move about the USPHL All-Star Game and Updates by clicking the link below:

https://usphl.com/premier/events/ncdc-usphl-all-star-event/

The Florida Eels delivered a statement victory this past Sunday, pulling off an epic 5–4 win over their cross-state rivals, the Coral Springs Jr. Cats, to officially secure first place in the USPHL Florida Division. In a season thus far, defined by intensity, resilience, and relentless competition, the Eels rose to the moment when it mattered most.

Sunday’s showdown marked the sixth meeting of the season between the Eels and the Jr. Cats—two teams locked in a season-long battle for the top spot in the division. With first place hanging in the balance, the atmosphere was electric from puck drop to final horn. Speed, energy, and grit filled every shift as both squads left everything on the ice.

The Jr. Cats, newcomers to the Florida Division, have proven to be anything but newcomers in spirit. Their fast-paced, hard-nosed style has pushed the Eels all season long, turning this rivalry into one of the most exciting in the league. Every matchup has felt like playoff hockey—and Sunday was no exception.

With a fire in their hearts, and ice in their veins, the Eels lined up center ice, in Sunday’s 12:00 pm matchup against the Coral Springs Jr. Cats. The Eels, Bulgarian veteran goaltender, Filip Vitanov between the pipes to defend the Eels net, players lined up for puck drop.

First period, was full of action- packed hockey from the moment the puck hit the center ice. It was Eels second year veteran Blake Becker, assisted by Thomas Harrow and Carmen D’Ambrosio, who drew the first blood of the game at 7:52 in the first, getting the puck past Jr. Cats’ Nathan McAlpine. The Eels claimed a 1-0 over the Jr. Cats as the first period came to a close.

The Jr. Cats fired up, were ready to tie up the game in the second period, and at 1:47 grabbed their first point of the game. The Eels and the Jr. Cats were now tied 1-1. At 4:03 Eels Derrick Pedersen, assisted by Thomas Harrow and Liam Qvarnström claimed the Eels second point of the game, and once again the Eels had the lead. However, it true competitive fashion the Jr. Cats quickly came back at 5:40 in the second tying the game up once again, now 2-2. At 7:18, the JR. Cats claimed their third goal of the game, and for the first time in the game, took the lead over the Eels-closing the second period 3-2.

After a 15 minute intermission, the Eels walked across the arena dialed in, focused, and ready to reclaim victory. As the buzzer sounded, the arena erupted with fan cheer from both sides, it was go time. At 5:57, Eels Oliver Melynchuk, assisted by Gino Indelicato and Sixten Gidlund, tied up the game 3-3. It was anyone’s game, but who would come out victorious. The Jr. Cats determined to hold onto the first place seed of the Florida Division, pushed ahead with their fourth and final goal at 18:18 in the third. However, the Eels would not relent, and they would not be counted out! At 18:48, in the third, Eels veteran and Captain Alex Cochran, assisted by Gino Indelicato and Xavier Charron tied up the game. The crowd erupted and the fire ignited. The Eels knew the win was at their finger tips, and they were determined to grasp it and bring it home. They maintained control of the puck, holding it in the Jr. Cats defensive zone, determined to find their chance. At 19:24, it was Eels veteran and Assistant Captain Gino Indelicato, assisted by Alex Cochran who slipped the game winning goal beyond the goal line. The Eels claiming 5-4 victory over the Jr. Cats. The crowd electrified, the players erupted in celebratory excitement. The series between the Jr. Cats and the Florida Eels was claimed by the Eels, and the Florida Divisional title was now ours.

With Sunday’s 5-4 victory, the Eels claimed four wins across the six-game series:

• October 24, 2025– 6–3
• October 25, 2025– 7–4
• November 1, 2025– 7–2
• December 14, 2025– 5–4

Each victory showcased the Eels’ offensive firepower, defensive toughness, and ability to rise under pressure. Sunday’s win was the ultimate payoff—sealing the first-place seed and cementing the Eels at the top of the Florida Division standings.

This wasn’t just a win. It was a season-defining moment. A rivalry-tested triumph. And a clear message to the rest of the league: the road to the Florida Division title runs through the Florida Eels.

The Eels have moved into the first place seed—but the season isn’t over yet. The Florida Eels Premier and Elite both head to the Estero College Showcase December 19^th-21^st, and the Tampa College Showcase January 3^rd – 5^th. The Eels are prepared to continue to showcase their talents, and further their lead and hold on the Florida Division first place title. For more information on game times, and opponents check below:

FLORIDA EELS SET FOR HIGH-INTENSITY SHOWDOWNS WITH PALM BEACH TYPHOON & CORAL SPRINGS JR. CATS

Fort Myers — The battle for supremacy in the USPHL Florida Division heats up this week as the Florida Eels Junior Hockey Premier and Elite teams gear up for a pair of electrifying East vs. West Coast matchups. With the standings tightening and every point becoming more valuable, the Eels enter this stretch with momentum, confidence, and a hunger to widen their lead in the division.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 — EELS vs. PALM BEACH TYPHOON

The action begins on the road, as the Eels clash with the Palm Beach Typhoon, a team known for bringing relentless pressure and speed. The Typhoon may sit lower in the standings, but their high-tempo style often pushes opponents to the edge—exactly the type of test the Eels thrive on.

For the Premier squad, this is a chance to continue their surge and set the tone early in the weekend. Expect heavy forechecking, fast breakouts, and physical trench battles along the boards.

The Elite team will look to capitalize on their depth and discipline, aiming to lock down another key divisional victory and keep stacking points.

High intensity? Absolutely. High stakes? Even more so.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 — EELS vs. CORAL SPRINGS JR. CATS

Sunday’s showdown is the one fans have circled on the calendar for weeks, as the Eels return home for the weeks second match up.

The Eels Premier team and the Coral Springs Jr. Cats remain neck-and-neck for the No. 1 spot in the Florida Division, with both squads trading wins and refusing to give ground. Every shift in this matchup matters. Every loose puck matters. Every mistake could swing the standings.

This is more than a game—it’s a battle for bragging rights, momentum, and early control of the division’s top seat.

On the Elite side, the rivalry is just as fierce. With both programs fighting to stay near the top of the division, Sunday’s contest promises playoff-style intensity long before the postseason begins.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Premier Upcoming Games

Dec. 19            Eels vs. Carolina Jr. Hurricanes           11:15 am         Hertz Arena (Showcase)

Dec. 20            Eels vs. Charleston Colonials              11:00 am         Hertz Arena (Showcase)

Dec. 20            Eels vs. Potomac Patriots                   7:00 pm           Hertz Arena (Showcase)

Dec. 21            Eels vs. Hampton Roads Whalers       10:00 am         Hertz Arena (Showcase)

Elite Upcoming Games

Dec. 19            Eels vs. Carolina Jr. Hurricanes           9:15 am           Hertz Arena (Showcase)

Dec. 20            Eels vs. Charleston Colonials              9:00 am           Hertz Arena (Showcase)

Dec. 20            Eels vs. Potomac Patriots                   5:00 pm           Hertz Arena (Showcase)

Dec. 21            Eels vs. Hampton Roads Whalers       8:00 am           Hertz Arena (Showcase)

The Florida Eels Junior Hockey Organization, one of the longest-standing and most respected names in junior hockey, proudly announces its official entry into the NCDC and USPHL Premier Division beginning with the 2026–2027 season, marking a historic step forward in the evolution of player development, player advancement, and pool national competition.

For decades, the Florida Eels have built a reputation as a premier proving ground for high-level talent—developing players, leaders, and champions who have gone on to compete at collegiate and professional levels around the world. Now, the Eels are leveling up.

“This isn’t just an expansion — it’s a statement,” the Eels President Frank Scarpaci said. “Florida isn’t arriving. Florida has been here. And now we’re ready to dominate on an even bigger stage.”

The move into the NCDC, Tier II junior hockey league, and the highly competitive USPHL Premier Division, positions the Florida Eels as one of the most dynamic and ambitious programs in North American junior hockey. The 2026–2027 season will showcase a new standard of speed, skill, physicality, and professionalism.

This transition represents a continued commitment to training, national exposure, advanced player development, and a relentless pursuit of championships.

“We are building more than teams — we are building a legacy,” the President Frank Scarpaci added. “This is about opportunity. This is about tradition. This is about winning.”

With state-of-the-art training, battle-tested leadership, and a championship culture decades in the making, the Florida Eels are set to make waves across the junior hockey landscape.

Premier Weekend Recap:

Friday, November 14^th: Florida Eels vs. Tampa Bay Juniors

Florida Eels Premier had double header weekend as they faced off against the Tampa Bay Juniors Friday evening in Wesley Chapel, and returned home to Fort Myers to take on the Palm Beach Typhoon on Saturday. The Eels Premier opened their weekend of play at the Advent Health Center Ice at 5:00 pm, where they met up with the Tampa Bay Juniors for the first time this season. In this highly anticipated matchup the Eels Premier veterans were fired up and ready to take on their long time competitive opponent, TBJ.

Game play started at 5:00 pm as players from both squads lined up for face off, Filip Vitanov between the pipes to defend the Eels house.  The first period was full of action packed hockey, as both teams battled to gain the lead of the game. Eels offensive team, was continuous as they pounded the net hoping to get the first point, and our defensive held the line, trying to keep TBJ from making their way to our house, and Vitanov. At the end of the first period the Eels and Tampa Bay Juniors were scoreless, closing the first period 0-0.

At 4:56 in the second period, Florida Eels second year veteran, Blake Becker, assisted by Carmen D’Ambrosio and Sixten Gidlund, secured the first point of the game and took the lead 1-0 over TBJ. At 11:38 in the first TBJ’s Jared Hermann tied up the game, slipping one past Vitanov. Eels veteran and call up from the Elite team, Paxton Campbell, assisted by Liam Qvarnström and fellow former Elite player Brantlee Hoffman secured the second goal in Eels favor at 12:15 in the second. However, at 19:00 TBJ’s Kelan Jamison was able to tie up the game for TBJ. The Eels and Tampa Bay Juniors ended the second deadlocked 2-2.

This was surely playing out to be a highly competitive game, as both teams battled once again for the lead for their organization. It was Eels second year veteran Seth Morris, assisted by Liam Qvarnström and Xavier Charron who took the lead once again in the Eels favor in the third. The Eels leading now 3-2 over TBJ. Seth Morris, assisted by Alex Cochran and Sixten Gidlund, claimed the Eels fourth goal of the game. The Eels now leading 4-2 over TBJ. TBJ was bale to close the grab by one, when Sam Moore scored in behalf of TBJ. However, it was. The Eels, with Vitanov between the pipes that claimed a 4-3 victory as the game came to a close.

Saturday November 15^th, 2025: Eels vs. Palm Beach Typhoon

After an impressive win, in Wesley Chapel the Florida Eels returned home to the Fort Myers Skatium to take on the Palm Beach Typhoon. The stands filled with First Responders from both coasts to support their clubs, the players from the Eels lined up at center ice, with Adam Hedges between the pipes to defend the Eels home net and home ice. With the crowd ablaze the puck dropped and game action started.

The Eels drew first blood, as second year veteran Derrick Pedersen, assisted by Alex Cochran and Sixten Gidlund grabbed the first point of the game at 4:58 in the first period. Eels blake Becker, assisted by Brantlee Hoffmand and Derrick Pedersen, followed with the Eels second goal of the game at 15:03 in the first. The Eels now had a 2-0 lead over the Palm Beach Typhoon at the end of the first.

The Eels hot from their lead in the first, came out ready to give the crowd more action. At 2:32 in the second period, Carmen D’Ambrosio assisted by Blake Becker and Thomas Harrow claimed the Eels third point of. The game. Palm Beach Typhoon’s Egor Chebunin claimed their first goal of the game at 6:27 in the second. However, at 8:25, Eels Seth Morris, assisted by Gino Indelicato and Xavier Charron claimed the Eels fourth game goal. Palm Beach determined to cut the lead, responded quickly after at 9:31 in the second when Egor Chebunin scored his second goal for the Palm Beach Typhoon. The Eels closed the second period with a 4-2 lead over Palm Beach Typhoon.

Florida Eels Xavier Charron, assisted by Derrick Pedersen and Seth Morris grabbed the Eels fifth goal at 6:33 in the third period. Palm Beach again cut the lead by scoring their third goal at 10:43.It was Eels Oliver Melnychuk, assisted by Sixten Gidlund and Carmen D’Ambroisio who responded quickly after at 12:01 securing the Eels sixth goal of the game. Gino Indelicato, assisted by Seth Morris and Brady Gedman scored the Eels seveth and final goal at 13:25. The Eels Premier claimed their second victory of the weekend, this time 7-3 over the Palm Beach Typhoon.

Elite Weekend Recap

Friday, November 14^th, 2025: Florida Eels vs. Tampa Bay Juniors

Florida Eels Elite went to Wesley Chapel to take on the Tampa Bay Juniors in Friday’s matchup. Florida Eels and Tampa Bay Juniors continue to battle for second place in the Florida Divisional Standings.  With puck drop at 7:30 pm the Eels where ready for action. However it was TBJ who claimed two unanswered goals in the first period, closing the period with a 2-0 lead over the Eels Elite. TBJ scored an additional four goals, before Florida Eels Tyson Gagnon scored the Eels lone goal of the game at 19:52 in the third. TBJ took the victory over the Eels 6-1.

Saturday, November 15^th, 2025: Florida Eels vs. Palm Beach Typhoon

After a disappointing loss against the Tampa Bay Juniors, the Florida Eels Elite ralled and refocused for Saturday’s match up against the Palm Beach Typhoon. With the crowd full of family, fans and first responders in honor of first responders evening the Eels lined up at center ice, as Ethan Gabler took his place between the pipes. Florida Eels and Palm Beach battled the first period, each club trying to gain the first point. However, at the end of the first period, both teams remained scoreless.

It was Florida Eels second year veteran Dominick Dantona, assisted by Walter Neiser and Cameron Yuen, who claimed the first point of the game in favor of the Eels, at 8:02 in the second period. At 8:39 in the second, Eels second year veteran Tyson Gagnon, assisted by Nikita Shchevyev and Kaleb Freyman grabbed the Eels second goal of the game. Palm Beach’s Ryan Craft cut the Eels two goal lead by one at 12:00 in the second. The Eels remained in the lead 2-1 over Palm Beach Typhoon at the end of the second period.

Palm Beach hoped to tie the game up with the Florida Eels, however, newcomer Sean Hughes, assisted by Tyson Gagnon and Kaleb Freyman scored the Eels third goal of the game at 13:03, pushing the Eels lead by two. It was Eels Dominick Dantona, who scored his second goal, this time assited by Nikita Shchevyev who claimed the Eels fourth and final goal of the game. The Eels claimed a 4-1 victory over the Palm Beach Typhoon on home ice, Saturday evening.

Upcoming for both Premier and Elite

Both Florida Eels Premier and Elite will head to Wesley Chapel this Friday, November 21^st to take on the Tampa Bay Juniors. Florida Eels Premier will face off at 5:00 pm, followed by the Florida Eels Elite at 7:00pm. Both Premier and Elite are heavily preparing for this weeks’ match up, and are prepared to take the wins, before their Thanksgiving Break to begin November 22^nd.

Florida Eels prepare for an action-packed week of hockey. After last weekends intense matchup with the Coral Springs Jr. Cats, where the Florida Eels Premier walked away with two wins, scoring a combined 13 goals over two games, and the Eels Elite walked away with a split series they look forward to the week ahead.

Tuesday, October 28^th 2025

The Florida Eels Premier will head south to Estero, to face off against cross town rival the Florida Jr. Blades at Hertz arena. The Florida Eels and Florida Jr. Blades will face off at 1:30 pm as they again battle for the title of Southwest Florida Champion.

Wednesday, October 29^th, 2025

The Florida Eels Elite will play at the Fort Myers Skatium, as they face off against the Florida Jr. Blades at 12:00pm.

Thursday, October 30^th, 2025

Both the Eels Elite and Premier will head to South Florida where they will take on the Palm Beach Typhoon at Skatezone in Lake Worth, Florida. Florida Eels Premier will faceoff at 12:00 pm, followed by Eels Elite at 3:30 pm

Saturday, November 1^st, 2025

The Florida Eels Premier and Elite will return home to the Fort Myers Skatium where they will take on the Coral Springs Jr. Cats in their fourth match up of the season. The Florida Eels will be hosting, the Jr. Cats as both organizations honor the teaching community in our Teacher Appreciation Night. The Florida Eels Elite will face off at 4:00 pm, followed by the Florida Eels Premier face off at 7:00pm

Sunday, November 2^nd, 2025

Both the Florida Eels Elite and Premier will head back to South Florida, this time they will head across the alley to Coral Springs, to take on the Coral Springs Jr. Cats. The Florida Eels Elite will face off at 3:45 pm, followed by the Eels Premier at 6:45pm

Get ready, hockey fans — the battle for Florida supremacy is on! The Inaugural USPHL Florida Cup, held in Fort Myers, is here, bringing together the top USPHL Premier and Elite teams from across the Sunshine State for an all-out, tournament-style showcase of speed, skill, and grit.

Since its conception, the Florida Eels have proudly held the Premier Division title, setting the standard for excellence on the ice. The Eels Elite claimed the Cup for the first two years before the Tampa Bay Juniors captured it last season — but this year, the competition is fiercer than ever.

Representing Florida’s powerhouse programs, the Florida Eels (Fort Myers), Florida Jr. Blades (Estero), Palm Beach Typhoon (Palm Beach), and the newcomers — the Jr. Cats (Coral Springs) — will face off for the right to be crowned Florida Cup Champion.

Who will rise to the challenge?
Who will claim the Cup?

The ice is set, the stakes are high, and only one team will lift the trophy!

Premier Recap:

Florida Eels Premier hit the ice on Saturday, October 11^th, 2025 at 4:15 pm to take on the Hampton Roads Whalers. Adam Henges back in the net for the Eels, the guys lined up at center ice. Both of the Florida Eels and the Hampton Roads Whalers played a highly defensive game with impressive goaltending between the pipes. At the end of the first period the Eels and the Hampton Roads Whalers remained deadlock with a scoreless game. The game was filled with action, large hits, and breakaway opportunities. After an impressive 35 minutes of back and forth action, impressive defensive skills on both sides and a scoreless score board, Hampton Roads Whalers grabbed their first of three goals on the Florida Eels at 8:42 in the second period. The Whalers scored two subsequent goals, at 13:12 in the second period and 17:32 in second period. Hampton Roads Whalers claimed a 3-0 victory over the Florida Eels Premier, but the Eels worked every last minute of the game.

 

Elite Recap:

Florida Eels Elite stepped back on the ice Saturday, October 11^th, 2025 at 8:00 am, to take on the Hampton Roads Whalers Elite. After claiming two victories so far in the Southeast Showcase, would they be able to pull off another win against the Whalers, or would the Whaler walk away with the first win against the Eels this weekend? With Stuart Heckathrone between the pipes, the Eels lined up at center ice to start the game.

It was Eels Brantlee Hoffman, assisted by Paxton Campbell and Nikita Shchevyev, claimed the first goal of the game, at 4:18 in the first. Hampton Roads Whalers were desperate to place the puck in the net to tie the game, and Stuart Heckathorne, blocked everything that came his way. At the end of the first period the Eels head the lead, 1-0 over the Hampton Roads Whalers.

The start of the second period, the Hampton Roads Whalers continued to try to score a tying to gain a goal, Stuart Heckathorne continued to dominate the home net for the Eels. At 13:21 in the second period, it was Florida Eels Paxton Campbell, assisted by Jackson Carnes, who scored the second and final goal of the game. The Eels claimed a 2-0 victory over the Hampton Roads Whalers.

Both the Florida Eels Premier and Elite will head on the ice tomorrow Sunday, October 12^th, 2025 for their final games of the showcase before heading back to Florida.