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 19th-21st, and the Tampa College Showcase January 3rd – 5th. 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:
