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.
