By Florida Eels Staff
As Hurricane Milton approached October 7-9, the United States Premier Hockey League’s (USPHL) Florida Eels stepped in to help the Fort Myers community brace for the storm. While many residents evacuated, Eels players worked to prepare homes for flooding and high winds, moving furniture, boarding up windows and doors, and gathering sandbags. This was their first time facing a hurricane for many, yet they put aside their worries to assist their neighbors.
Though Fort Myers avoided the worst of Milton, the area still experienced storm surges, strong winds, and rare tornadoes. After the storm, the Eels returned to the Fort Myers Skatium to distribute ice and water to local families. Despite power outages and limited communication, the team remained dedicated to helping those in need.
Now, as the Eels prepare to hit the ice after the back-to-back impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, their commitment to the Southwest Florida community is as strong off the ice as it is on the ice.
“The Florida Eels have sure faced our share of hurricanes over the past several years. These storms present some significant challenges, but what we learned from our players is that it brings players closer to the community. Our guys come from places so foreign to hurricanes – Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal, Sweden, Hungary and Russia. But the boys make us very proud. They know what is at stake – people’s homes, their belongings, their lives. ‘What can we do?’ is what they ask. And, man, have they stepped up! Be it boarding up homes and storefronts to distributing hundreds of cases of water and food. They appreciate what they have and how fortunate they are, and this is a little payback,” said Eels General Manager Frank Scarpaci.
“My God, we saw what was on the news and what might happen. We had a choice: do nothing, or take action and help out the families who are at the highest risk of flooding,” said second-year Eel Brendan Dohan, a 2004-born native of Calgary, Alberta.
“As an organization, we jumped in to get ice, food and water to those without power. Hundreds of people had nothing. This was a great feeling. We are so fortunate to be able to play juniors. Hockey was secondary. It was a time to help. This is a small way to give back,” added Reid Wilson, a third-year Eel and a 2004-born native of Lacombe, Alberta.
About The Florida Eels
The Florida Eels Junior Hockey program is a premier organization dedicated to developing hockey players for college and professional careers. With two Junior A teams competing in the USPHL Premier and Elite Divisions, the Eels consistently rank among the top teams in the league, including a No. 2 national ranking and No. 1 in the USPHL last season. Over the past 11 seasons, they have dominated their division, reaching the semifinals five times and the finals three times.
The Eels’ commitment to player development is evident in their outstanding track record, having sent over 365 players to college hockey, including 29 players just last season. This success positions the Eels as one of North America’s leading programs. Beyond college, four Eels alumni have been drafted into the NHL, while others have attended NHL Prospect Camps and excelled in leagues like the USHL, NAHL, and BCHL. Additionally, the Eels have helped over 40 players secure placements at prestigious New England Prep schools, emphasizing a holistic approach to both athletic and academic growth.
The Florida Eels’ dedication to excellence on and off the ice has earned them a reputation as a powerhouse in junior hockey, with a strong alumni network that continues to shine at all levels of the sport.
About The United States Premier Hockey League
Founded in 2012, the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) is comprised of over 150 teams, fielding more than 20,000 players aged 9-21 in more than 100 organizations across the North, South, Midwest, West, and Canada. Our Junior Divisions consist of the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) and our Premier and Elite Divisions, all geared toward college and pro placement.
Our youth and midget divisions (operated through the Tier 1 Hockey Federation) field full season 9U through 18U teams. The USPHL has sent over 8,000 players to all levels of college hockey all-time including over 3,700 into NCAA college hockey and over 550 players into NCAA Division I hockey. The USPHL also has 18 players who played in the NCDC and were drafted by NHL teams.
