The Florida Eels Elite came into the USPHL Florida Divisional Playoffs with one mission: to win. And they did just that—emphatically. In their first-round matchup against their cross-town rivals, the Florida Jr. Blades, the Eels put on an absolute masterclass, securing a commanding 3-0 victory to set the tone for their postseason run.
From the first puck drop, the Eels played with intensity, precision, and an unshakable will to win. Every shift was a statement, every play a testament to their dedication. Bulgarian native, Filip Vitanov starred between the pipes, in round one of the USPHL Florida Divisional Playoffs, for the Florida Eels, stopping every puck thrown in his direction. It was four-year veteran and Captain, Jackson Carnes assisted by Carmen D’Ambrosio and Dominic Doyle that scored the Eels first point of the game at 4:46 in the first period. Eels two-year veteran Nikita Shchevyev returning after a midseason injury, assisted by Dominick Dantona, and Konnor Bertrand grabbed the Eels second goal of the game, at 17:27 in the second. At 3:03 in the third period, Fort Myers native and rookie Paxton Campbell, after returning from a late season injury secured the Eels third and final goal of the game. The Eels made it clear through their offense push, their defense lock down against the Blades’ attack, and goaltending turning away every scoring chance with ice-cold composure, that the Eels were determined to pull off this major win.
But this wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. This was their best game of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With this dominant shutout, the Florida Eels Elite have sent a loud and clear message to the league: They are here to win it all. If this is just the beginning, the rest of the Florida Division better watch out—because the Eels are just getting started.
Florida Eels Elite will head into Round 2 of the USPHL Florida Divisional Playoffs tomorrow March 8th, 2025 as they take on the Tampa Bay Juniors at 12:45 pm at the Advent Health Center Ice Arena in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Join the Eels live as they take on the Tampa Bay Juniors or tune in live on FloHockey. Let’s go Eels!
