By Florida Eels Staff
The Florida Eels are thrilled to announce that Crossley Stewart has committed to NCAA Division I RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology).
Stewart stands at 6-feet-3-inches, weighs 190 pounds, and is a defenseman out of Prince Rupert, B.C., Canada.
‘He was a major impact player on the Eels Premier team. As a defenseman, Crossley owned the defensive zone. A very smart player who had a high hockey IQ,” added General Manager Frank Scarpaci. “Moreover, he was a never-ending offensive threat. While playing for the Eels, Stewart averaged close to a point per game. Opposing teams knew he could turn on the jets and drive to the net. He often skated by opposing forwards and defensemen like pylons.”
Crossley was very creative. He had a high skill level, and at 6-3, he used his body to his advantage. In 2020-21, he was very instrumental in the Eels Divisional title and their run in the playoffs where the Eels swept the Atlanta Madhatters in two games: 5-0 and 6-2.
Crossley quarterbacked the Eels as they marched through the Nationals, battling MJDP, the New York Aviators, the Minnesota Blue Ox, and the Carolina Hurricanes and ultimately on to the Premier Championship game against the Charlotte Rush.
There was no doubt by any of the Eels coaches how good Crossley was. Premier Head Coach Frankie Scarpaci echoed the GM.
“Stewart is definitely a NCAA Division 1 prospect. He developed so well with us. He has an extremely high skill set, sees the ice so well and is a true student of the game,” said Frankie Scarpaci. “His hockey IQ is up there with the best. Moreover, he is a competitor – one of the most aggressive players who ever sported an Eels jersey. He is very coachable. Crossley will do so well at RIT. Perfect fit for him. We are very proud of Crossley. It is an honor and a privilege to have coached him.”
