A huge congratulations goes out to Florida Eels alumni: Ayodele Adeniye who committed to the University of Alabama Huntsville NCAA Division I.
Ayodele played for the Florida Eels in 2015-16 for what was then known as the USP3 team now known as the Florida Eels Elite team. General Manager Frank Scarpaci commented that, “Ayodele’s team was one of the best developing teams in the history of the USPHL. His commitment marks 23 players from that team who will go to college and play college hockey.
His then Coach Frank Scarpaci commented he had “so much promise.. We could see it at training camp. He had great vision on the ice. He was so mature for his age. He was not afraid to jump in on the play. This fit right in line with the Eels style of play using the defense on the line rush. Ayodele worked tirelessly on his skill set. He often stayed 3 hours on the ice daily working with the older Elite team. He developed into a very strong defenseman with clean hard passes on the breakout, he battled relentlessly in the defensive zone where he established deeded rights in the crease. This young man never back down no matter how big or strong the opposing forwards were.” Coach Scarpaci noted, he was a very explosive skater; he had a very heavy shot on the offensive blue line. His pucks got to the net. He was a consummate threat on the power play”
Coach Scarpaci concluded, “I couldn’t be happier for Ayo and his family. When we got him a few years ago we knew he was a special player. His skill, speed and size easily stood out especially knowing how young he was. It’s not easy for a young player of 16 to step into a lineup of 20 year olds and not just compete but contribute and that’s what he did. He’s a real respectful kid who is always wanting to get better so I’m excited for him getting this opportunity.”
General Manager Frank Scarpaci noted, Ayodele is a high character young man. He came from a loving and supportive Mom and Dad who made enormous sacrifices to allow this young man to reach his goals. It makes us all very proud here at the Florida Eels to have played a part in Ayodele’s life to help him reach and realize his goals and dreams of one day playing NCAA Division I college hockey. Less than 1% of all players garner this opportunity and we could not be more proud and excited that this is happening to Ayodele. We wish him the best. It also opens up the eyes for so many other players who should understand “it is not where you start in Junior Hockey it is where you end out” Ayodele is a prime example of player development. He went from our USP3 Eels and look at his accomplishments. He took the time and developed his skills and craft. Ayodele illustrates it is not a sprint but a marathon. We are so proud of him.
