Estero, FL- The entire Florida Jr. Blades organization along with the United States Premier Hockey League is proud to announce the addition of a 16U Futures team to the franchise for the 2017-18 season.
"We're looking forward to the addition of the 16U Futures team and are excited to get it rolling,” said Premier Head Coach Todd Pococke. “It's something we have been wanting to do to get players involved in our program earlier in their career."
The 16U Futures program will compete in both USPHL 16U Futures Showcases and Tier 1 tournaments across the country where players will have exposure to top-level competition.
The new program is the second addition to the Jr. Blades franchise for the 2017-18 season, joining the USP3HL Champions who will elevate to the Premier Division and the newly formed Elite team.
The 16U Futures team will be led by general manager Tony Lessel and head coach Pete Flores. The coaching staff strives to remain true to the organizations mission while developing a program that will promote in-house player advancement.
Since the 2010-11 inaugural franchise season, the Jr. Blades have been a dominate force in the USPHL capturing Regular Season Championships six out of the past seven years, while remaining dedicated to the true mission of the program — player advancement. Over the organizations history the Jr. Blades have gone on to see its players play in the USHL, NAHL, NCAA and ACHA.
For more information and updates on the Florida Jr. Blades please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com.
Since leaving the Jr. Blades after his All-Star 2014-15 season, Cuce went on to sign with the Springfield pics where he tallied 34 points including 10 goals and 24 assists.
In the summer of 2016, Cuce committed to Elmira College where he has gone on to dominate in his rookie campaign claiming honors including EC Athlete of the Week and being named to the ECAC West Conference All-Rookie Team.
Cuce tallied six goals and 19 assists in his 25 games played, where he ranked 17th overall among Division II freshman with 1.00 points per game.
After an impressive performance against Nichols College and SUNY Potsdam in late November, Cuce was named ECAC West Rookie of the Week where he had a five-point week including this shorthanded goal.
Estero, FL- The Florida Junior Blades of the USPHL are pleased to the organizations tryout camp itinerary for this upcoming week.The tryout camp will give players the opportunity to showcase their abilities to the team's coaches where the organization will be focused on finding prospects that are looking to take their game to an elite level.
The June 23 - June 25 schedule is located to the right.
The camp will be held at the home of the Florida Jr. Blades at Germain Arena in Estero, FL. Players looking to register for the camp can do so online by clicking here. We have partnered with Hyatt Place Coconut Point to offer players traveling outside the area a discount. Use Code GAFN at Hyatt Place Coconut Point to save today!
Not sure if playing for FJB is right for you? Watch below and it'll change your mind.
Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for more information and updates.
Estero, FL- The Florida Jr. Blades organization, head coach Todd Pococke and assistant coach Tyler Carlston are pleased to announce that goaltender Fabio Meier has committed to play at EHC Bulach in Switzerland for the 2017-18 season.
"I'm extremely proud of Fabio with his signing to play for Bulach next season," said Pococke. "He has worked very hard to get to this point and I'm excited to follow his career!"
The 20-year-old's debut season with the Jr. Blades included seven shutouts, with a 24-2-0 record overall.
The two-time Star Of The Week goalie ended the Jr. Blades 2016-17 USP3HL Championship season with his name in the Tier 3 record books ranking in the top 20 goaltenders overall with a .945 save percentage and a 1.34 goals-against average.
The entire Florida Jr. Blades organization wishes Fabio Meier all the best with his future back in his native country!
For more information on the Jr. Blades please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com
Estero, FL- The Florida Jr. Blades coaching staff returned to the ice at Germain Arena for the first tryout camp of the 2017-18 season.
Led by head coach Todd Pococke, the three-day event was full of potential prospects who were put through practices, scrimmages and off-ice strength and conditioning in Athletic Republic.
"It was good to get everyone back on the ice,” said assistant coach Tyler Carlston. “We had a good mix of familiar faces and new talent, which made for a pretty good pace all weekend."
As the 2017-18 Premier season approaches the camp provides prospects an inside look at the organization, while coaches look at the prospects skill striving for huge acquisitions.
"It's exciting to be getting back into it,” said Pococke. “The weekend went well and the tempo was great overall."
The second tryout camp session will commence on Friday, June 23. Players looking to register for the camp can do so online by clicking here.
We have partnered with Hyatt Place Coconut Point to offer players traveling outside the area a discount. Use Code GAFN at Hyatt Place Coconut Point to save today.
Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for more information and updates.
Estero, FL- The Florida Junior Blades of the USPHL are pleased to the organizations tryout camp itinerary for this upcoming week.The tryout camp will give players the opportunity to showcase their abilities to the team's coaches where the organization will be focused on finding prospects that are looking to take their game to an elite level.
The May 26 - May 28 schedule is located to the right.
Not sure if playing for FJB is right for you? Watch below and it'll change your mind.
The camp will be held at the home of the Florida Jr. Blades at Germain Arena in Estero, FL. Players looking to register for the camp can do so online by clicking here. We have partnered with Hyatt Place Coconut Point to offer players traveling outside the area a discount. Use Code GAFN at Hyatt Place Coconut Point to save today!
Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for more information and updates.
Estero, FL- As the 2017-18 Premier season nears, head coach Todd Pococke and assistant coach Tyler Carlston look to continue the winning tradition of the Florida Jr. Blades by scouting players at multiple showcases in the Massachusetts area this week.
The USPHL 2017 Spring Showcase starts Thursday in Marlborough, Mass. that will feature top players from the USPHL who are looking to make an impact in front of scouts and coaches in attendance ahead of the National Collegiate Development Conference's Inaugural Draft scheduled for Wednesday, May 17.
“This will be a great weekend with lots of players to keep an eye on. We're looking forward it,” said Pococke on the player talent pool represented.
The PAL Jr. Islanders, Jr. Blades NCDC affiliate, will be represented at the Spring Showcase where Pococke will be assisting the club's two showcase teams.
The New England Pro-Am Hockey League will also be hosting the 2017 Pre-Draft Showcase over a three-day period starting Thursday at the Foxboro Sports Center.
"There are a ton of guys to watch at a bunch of different rinks, so it will be a very busy weekend," said Carlston on recruiting players for the upcoming season.
Players looking to play for the organization can register for the upcoming Free Agent Camp by clicking here. Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for more information and updates.
Estero, FL- The Florida Jr. Blades organization, head coach Todd Pococke and assistant coach Tyler Carlston are pleased to announce that goaltender Cayden Bailey has signed with National Collegiate Development Conference Jr. Blades affiliate, the PAL Jr. Islanders for the 2017-18 season.
“We're extremely proud of Cayden and all he has accomplished over the past year,” said Pococke. “With his competitiveness and drive, he will continue to progress and do well at the next level. We wish nothing but the best of luck for him with the PAL Jr. Islanders!”
Bailey's impressive Jr. Blades debut season included being named USP3 Goaltender Of The Year after collecting 15 shutouts, with a record of 28-0.
“The Jr. Islanders are getting a very good goalie, but also a kid who is very motivated and super competitive,” said Carlston. We're very excited to see him continue to develop and can't wait to see where that drive takes him down the road.”
The seven-time Star Of The Week netminder ended the Jr. Blades 2016-17 Championship season with a .967 save percentage and a .87 goals-against average.
“I'm excited for the opportunity to play for PAL Jr. Islanders in the NCDC next season. A big part of me getting this chance is because of the opportunities and development I received during my time here with the Jr. Blades,” said Bailey. “From the guidance, I received from my coaches and my teammates to the on and off-ice training, all of it contributed to me being able to move up and have the chance to play at the next level.”
The entire Florida Jr. Blades organization wishes Cayden Bailey all the best with his promising future with the PAL Jr. Islanders. For more information on the Jr. Blades please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com
Estero, FL- The United States Premier Hockey League has announced that the Florida Jr. Blades has been named Media Team Of The Year for the 2016-17 season. The Jr. Blades media coverage is led by Director of Communications & Media Relations Tia Preece.
"We're really happy for Tia,” said assistant coach Tyler Carlston. “She has really done a great job with our content and expanding our outreach across the junior hockey landscape. "
The Media Team Of The Year award, as noted in the Dan K Show announcement, is given to the team for overall best content including but not limited to highlight videos, social media, interviews and overall game day coverage.
“We are so proud of Tia and thankful for all of her hard work,” said head coach Todd Pococke. “She has done such a great and professional job with showing everything the Jr. Blades are about!”
For more information on the Florida Jr. Blades organization please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for more updates.
Estero, FL- Tia Preece sits down with defensemen Jonas Hostovecky to discuss his Florida Jr. Blades experience and reflect on the 2016-17 season.
The Slovakia native tallied a total of 54 points including 14 goals and 40 assists in his 54 games played. Hostovecky recorded multi-point games in 17 of those contests.
The 6'4, 215-pound defender was also honored throughout the year being selected as the Star Of The Week for the week ending October 24.
Hostovecky and the Jr. Blades made an appearance on the Dan K Show midpoint into the season before they claimed the ultimate prize, USP3 Champions.
The Dan K Show will continue all off-season long with hard hitting sports analysis on the web, Dan and Lucas keep you entertained on it's channel found here or by searching for "Official Dan K Show" on YouTube.
For more information on Jonas Hostovecky and the entire Florida Jr. Blades organization please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for more updates.
Estero, FL - The Florida Jr. Blades and the United States Premier Hockey League are pleased to announce that Tyler O'Mara has been named the USP3 Player of the Year for the 2016-17 season.
“Having the honor to be named player of the year is very humbling,” said O’Mara. “I could not have won this award without the support and help from my teammates, coaches and Jr. Blades staff.”
The Syracuse native also collected the honor of being named USP3 Forward of the Year for the 2016-17 season after putting up a total of 85 points that included 33 goals and 52 assists.
"It is well deserved. He is very dangerous offensively but is also responsible on the defensive side of the puck,” said head coach Todd Pococke. “Omar has done a great job for us the last couple seasons and we're very proud of him. "
O’Mara’s competition for the award included Charlotte Rush Cameron Mazikowski and fellow teammate goaltender Cayden Bailey.
“Tyler has done an outstanding job these past two seasons and we are very proud of him,” said assistant coach Tyler Carlston. “He brings enthusiasm and intensity to the rink every day and it has shown in his production. "Player of the Year" was well earned on his behalf!”
For more information on Tyler O'Mara and the rest of the Florida Jr. Blades organization please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for more updates.
Estero, FL- The Florida Junior Blades of the United States Premier Hockey League are thrilled to announce that Cayden Bailey has been named USP3 Goaltender Of The Year for the 2016-17 season.
The selection came after Bailey earned a total of 15 shutouts, four in the postseason alone. The Estero native collected 679 saves allowing just 23 goals against in his debut season with the Jr. Blades.
Bailey went 28-0 with a .87 goals-against average and a .967 save percentage to round out the 2016-17 season where his standout performances help lead the Jr. Blades to collect the USP3 Championship.
For more information on Cayden Bailey and the organization please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for updates.
Estero, FL - The Florida Jr. Blades and the United States Premier Hockey League are proud to announce that Head Coach Todd Pococke has been named the USP3 Coach Of The Year for the 2016-17 season.
Coach Pococke help lead the Florida Jr. Blades to win the 2016-17 USP3 Championship where the organization recorded a 43-1-0 regular season, 52-2-0 overall including the postseason.
As the Dan K Show noted during the announcement, “a team that talented still needs a leader and that leader is their coach.”
Coach Pococke joined the Florida Jr. Blades coaching staff after he completed his professional playing career with the Florida Everblades, prior to earning his degree at Ferris State where he competed his four-year collegiate career.
Coach Pococke also serves as the Facilities Director for Athletic Republic where his strength and conditioning knowledge helps serve his players on an off the ice.
For more information on Coach Pococke and the rest of the Florida Jr. Blades organization please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for more updates.
Estero, FL - The Florida Jr. Blades and the United States Premier Hockey League are proud to announce that Tyler O'Mara has been named the USP3 Forward of the Year for the 2016-17 season.
O'Mara led the Jr. Blades in point totals accruing 85 points throughout the season. The Syracuse native tallied 33 goals and 52 assists in his 51 games played.
O'Mara recorded multi-point games in 28 of those 51 contests, and scored at least three points on 12 separate occasions. At least six of those battles, O'Mara scored at least two goals against his competition.
The '96 year born forward was also honored throughout the year being selected as the Star Of The Week for the week ending November 21, 2016.
For more information on Tyler O'Mara and the rest of the Florida Jr. Blades organization please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for more updates.
Marlborough, Mass.- All-star defenseman Devon Rodriquez scored twice to help lead the Florida Jr. Blades to a 4-0 victory over the Traverse City North Stars in Game 1 of the USP3HL Championship Friday afternoon at the New England Sports Complex.
The first ten minutes of the opening frame saw each team trade both penalties and scoring chances. At the 14:37 into the first, Cody Fulkerson broke through when his shot was deflected by Hudson Grote who gave the Jr. Blades the 1-0 advantage.
The scoreless second period saw momentum chances for both organizations but neither were able to light the lamp..
Entering the third period, Rodriquez notched his first goal of the afternoon before finding the net again just three minutes later. The tally was Rodriquez's fourth of the postseason and tenth overall. Within ten minutes, Trevor Bednarek buried the North Stars comeback chances off a feed from assistant captain Adam Svoboda. Bednarek's late goal in the third secured the Jr. Blades 4-0 win over the North Stars.
Cayden Bailey earned his 14th shutout win stopping all the 30 shots faced, while Brendan Lacharite takes the loss allowing four goals on 30 shots.
The Jr. Blades will now face the Traverse City North Stars for Game 2 starting Saturday at 10:30 a.m. This is the two game in the best-of-three series for the USP3 Finals. Game times are subject to change and scheduled to be broadcast on Hockeytv.com.
Marlborough, Mass.- Four different players tallied goals to lead the Florida Jr. Blades to a 4-1 win over the Charlotte Rush in a winner take all semifinal matchup Thursday night at the New England Sports Complex. The victory now moves the Jr. Blades on to the USP3 Finals where they will face the Traverse City North Stars for a best-of-three series.
The first half of the opening period was a test for the goaltenders as both teams traded scoring opportunities. The Jr. Blades managed to take a two-goal lead in just 31 seconds after both Dillon Manchester and Tyler O’Mara sent pucks into the back of Rush goaltender Chris Aureliano’s net.
Within eight minutes of the second period, assistant captain Shea Mitruska netted his second goal of the postseason. Taking a pass from Matt Peterson, TJ Zebley flexed a shot through the five-hole give the Jr. Blades the 4-0 lead. The Rush responded six minutes later, after Chris Dunne found a way to steal netminder Cayden Bailey’s 14th shutout of the season.
The third period was a test for the officials as both teams were flooded by penalties. The Jr. Blades managed to shut down any momentum the Rush had found from the late goal in the second to defend the 4-1 win.
Cayden Bailey earns the win stopping 30 of the 31 shots faced, while Chris Aureliano takes the loss allowing four goals on 36 shots.
The Jr. Blades will now face the Traverse City North Stars starting Friday at 12:20 p.m. This is the first game in the best-of-three series for the USP3 Finals. Game times are subject to change and scheduled to be broadcast on Hockeytv.com.
Marlborough, Mass.- Cayden Bailey stopped all shots faced as the Jr. Blades won 6-0 against the Eugene Generals Wednesday night at the New England Sports Complex. Bailey secured his 13th shutout of the 2016-17 season during Game 2 of the round-robin round of the USPHL Finals.
Both teams traded scoring opportunities during the first ten minutes of the battle, until Matt Peterson knocked the puck past Generals goalie Christopher Alexakis for the only goal of the period.
The Jr. Blades took the two-goal lead in the second when Dillon Manchester's shot found its way to the back of the net off a fed from Tyler O'Mara and Trevor Bednarek.
Entering the final period, O'Mara opened the Jr. Blades scoring frenzy within three minutes of the frames first faceoff. Assistant captain Shea Mitruska managed to find all-star defenseman Devon Rodriguez open five minutes later who snipped a shot past Alexakis. Captain Evan Maxey found his third goal of the postseason off a pass from tactical defenseman Jonas Hostovecky. With 63 seconds remaining, Charlie Mondor flexed a pass into the net off Jonah Nash to secure the Jr. Blades 6-0 win over the Eugene Generals.
Cayden Bailey earns the shutout win stopping all 30 shots faced, while Generals Christopher Alexakis takes the loss allowing six goals on 36 shots.
The Jr. Blades will now face the Traverse City North Stars at 9 a.m. at the New England Sports Complex. Games times are subject to change. All games are scheduled to be streamed on www.HockeyTV.com. Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for information and updates.
Marlborough, Mass.- Goaltender Fabio Meier stopped 39 shots to help lift the Florida Jr. Blades to a 7-3 victory over the Decatur Blaze Wednesday morning at the New England Sports Center in Game 1 of pool play for the USPHL Finals.
Throughout the course of the first period, the Jr. Blades were the dominate force where Hudson Grote struck first sending a shot into the crease of Blaze goaltender Adam Lindeman. Within four minutes, assistant captain Shea Mitruska doubled the lead on a breakaway. After a Blaze turnover in the neutral zone, Trevor Bednarek scored short-handed just six minutes later. Within 34 seconds, Bednarek fed the puck to Devin Kasperek who closed out the frame 4-0.
After a scoreless first period for the Blaze, Joe Starcevich a way passed Meier. Seven minutes later, assistant captain Adam Svodoba responded with a power-play maker of his own able to widen the Jr. Blades lead.
Entering the third period, Jonah Nash ripped a shot in between the pipes just 36 seconds after the opening faceoff. Over the next 12 minutes, Alec Hernandez would notch two goals for the Blaze struggling to close in on the Jr. Blades lead. In the final minutes, Meier found Matt Peterson open who secured the Jr. Blades 7-3 win.
Fabio Meier earns the win stopping 39 of the 42 shots, while Adam Lindeman takes the loss allowing seven goals on 55 shots.
The Jr. Blades will now face the Eugene Generals at 6 p.m. at the New England Sports Complex. Games times are subject to change. All games are scheduled to be streamed on www.HockeyTV.com. Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for information and updates.
Estero, FL- The Florida Jr. Blades will head to the 2017 USPHL Finals this week where the organization will battle the Decatur Blaze, Eugene Generals and Traverse City North Stars at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts in a pool play format. The Jr. Blades first game is scheduled for setup 10:20 a.m. followed up by an evening game at 6:00 p.m. The final game of the round-robin start will have the Jr. Blades facing the North Stars at 9:30 a.m.
The semi-final round of the finals is a one-game winner advance format that will be played on the evening of March 9, before heading to a best-of-three series where the 2017 USP3 champion will be crowned.
The Jr. Blades enter the finals after sweeping both the Florida Eels and Atlanta Knights in back-to-back series. Forward TJ Zebley (10 pts) leads the Jr. Blades in point totals during the postseason notching seven goals and three assists. Matt Peterson (9 pts) leads the assists totals tallying seven assists in just four games played. Goaltenders Fabio Meier and Cayden Bailey each secured one shutout each in their combined four playoff appearances. The winning duo notched 17 shutouts during the regular season, eight more than their nearest competitors.
Games times are subject to change. All games are scheduled to be streamed on www.HockeyTV.com. Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for information and updates.
Estero, FL- The Florida Junior Blades of the USPHL are pleased to announce two tryout camp dates where the organization will be looking for potential players for both the Premier and Elite level teams. The tryout camps will give players the opportunity to showcase their abilities to the team's coaches where the organization will be focused on finding prospects that are looking to take their game to an elite level.
"We're really looking forward to our tryout camps this off-season," said head coach Todd Pococke. "It's important to us to offer these so players can actually see the facilities we play out of and get a feel on how we operate. The compete level is always great, but now with both a Premier and Elite team for next year it will elevate that much more."
The camps will be held at the home of the Florida Jr. Blades at Germain Arena in Estero, FL. The first camp will be starting on May 26 to May 28 and the second camp will commence on June 23 to June 25, each will include the following:
Welcome meeting and full facilities tour
60-minute skills practice
45 off-ice strength and conditioning sessions
3 games minimum
Individual exit interviews and contract offerings
"Our camps have always brought in talent from all over the US and Canada," said assistant coach Tyler Carlston on the potential prospects. "Each year there are guys that come in and really impress us, and we're excited to see who that will be this summer."
With nearly seven hours of on-ice time and an additional two hours of off-ice time over the two-and-a-half-day period, players are tested physically and shown a glimpse of the program they are looking to become a part of where the organization prides itself on it's winning tradition.
Players looking to register for the camp can do so online by clicking here. Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for more information and updates.
Estero, Fla. - This past week several of the Florida Jr. Blades players took the time to visit Tanglewood Elementary to participate in Read Across America Day.
"The Reading Across America Day is an event our guys love doing,” said assistant coach Tyler Carlston. “They have fun reading to the kids and always have some funny stories to tell at the end of the day."
The annual program calls for every child in every community to bring awareness to reading, celebrating the birthday of children's author Dr. Seuss. The Jr. Blades program prides themselves on the fact that being apart of the organization is more than just about playing the game but having a strong character as well.
“The guys always enjoy getting out in the community, especially reading to the kids. It's a great event and kids love having them come in,” said head coach Todd Pococke.
The Jr. Blades look to increase their community presence throughout the remainder of the 2016-17 season and beyond. For more information please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com.
Estero, FL- The USPHL and Florida Jr. Blades are proud to announce that defenseman Devin Kasperek and goaltender Cayden Bailey have been named Stars Of The Week.
"I thought Devin and Cayden had a great weekend all around and played very consistent," said head coach Todd Pococke. "Not only did Devin play shutdown defensive hockey, but he was able to help on the offensive side as well. Cayden was able to stay locked in and competitive for the full 60 which helped us focus on scoring."
Kasperek earned four points during his two game appearances for the week against the Atlanta Knights. The Buffalo native notched two goals and two assists during the Jr. Blades Round 2 sweep. Kasperek ending the regular season with 34 points including six goals and 28 assists.
Bailey earned the honor after a 7-0 shutout win Saturday afternoon against the Atlanta Knights stopping all 22 shots faced. The win secured the advanced of the Jr. Blades to the USPHL Finals after a Round 2 sweep. This is the sixth time Bailey has been named Star Of The Week by the USPHL during the 2016-17 season.
For more information on Kasperek and Bailey please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for information and updates.
Estero, FL- Devin Kasperek and TJ Zebley both scored twice to help lead the Florida Jr. Blades to a 7-0 victory over the Atlanta Junior Knights Saturday afternoon at Germain Arena to sweep Round 2 of the USPHL playoffs. The Round 2 playoff sweep advances the organization to the USPHL Finals.
“I'm really proud of the boys and the heart they displayed this weekend,” said head coach Todd Pococke. “We utilized our speed and strength which made it very difficult to play against us. It's another small goal reached and now back at it to work towards our final goal in Boston.”
Zebley kicked of the scoring for the Jr. Blades just 9: 26 into the first period after captain Evan Maxey and Matt Peterson were able to fed the ‘00 born forward the puck on the power play. Within three minutes, Zebley tallied his second goal of the afternoon slipping a puck through the pads of Atlanta netminder Dustin Reed. Taking a pass from Jonas Hostovecky, Kasperek closed out the frame 3-0 after ripping a shot into the pack of the net.
Coming out of the first period intermission, Devon Rodriguez found Tyler O'Mara open who flexed a shot in between the pipes. The Jr. Blades momentum continued when assistant captain Adam Svodoba wristed a shot through the pads of Reed. Jeremy Pelletier and Maxey managed to send the puck to Trevor Bednarek who scored ended the second period 5-0.
Plagued by penalties in the third period, both teams traded scoring opportunities until Kasperek notched his second tally of the afternoon on the power play securing the Jr. Blades win 7-0.
Cayden Bailey earns the shutout win stopping all of the 22 shots faced, while Atlanta Knights goaltender Dustin Reed takes the loss allowing seven goals on 40 shots.
The victory leads the Jr. Blades to the USPHL Finals that will be being held from March 8-12 at the New England Sports Complex in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
“Of course we're excited, but we're going to stay patient and prepare one day at a time. There is plenty of work still to be done," said assistant coach Carlston on the Jr. Blades outlook as the Finals approach.
The USPHL Final games will be available to watch live on HockeyTV.com. Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for information and updates.
Estero, FL- Jonah Nash and Dillon Manchester both scored twice to help lift the Florida Jr. Blades to a 5-1 victory over the Atlanta Knights Friday night at Germain Arena. The win was the first in the best-of-three series for the 2017 USPHL Round 2 Playoffs.
The first ten minutes of the period both teams traded scoring opportunities until Jonah Nash broke through attacking the zone finding a way to send the puck through the pads of Atlanta goaltender Dustin Reed. Within two minutes, Atlanta took advantage of the power play ending the frame tied 1-1.
Exiting the first intermission, Nash scored his second goal of the night off a feed from Hudson Grote and Trevor Bednarek. Within seven minutes, Dillon Manchester ripped a shot into the back of the net to close the period 3-1.
Stunting any momentum Atlanta had generated in the first period, captain Evan Maxey extended the lead seven minutes into the third. Closing out the battle, Manchester notched his second tally on the power play to close out the Jr. Blades for a 5-1 win.
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Fabio Meier earns the win stopping 11 of the 12 shots faced, while Dustin Reed takes the loss allowing five goals on 47 shots.
The Jr. Blades next game takes place Saturday at 3 p.m. against the Atlanta Knights at Germain Arena. This is the second game in the best-of-three series for Round 2 of the USPHL Playoffs.
Estero, FL- The Florida Jr. Blades will take on the Atlanta Knights for Round 2 of the USPHL playoffs. The first game will take place at 8:30 p.m. at Germain Arena followed up by a Saturday game at 3 p.m. If needed the Jr. Blades will host the Knights for Game 3 on Sunday at 9 a.m.
The Jr. Blades enter the weekend with a 16-game winning streak after collecting two back-to-back against the Florida Eels during Round 1. Forward Matt Peterson (8 pts) leads the Jr. Blades in point totals in the postseason notching two goals and six assists. TJ Zebley (6 pts) is just two points behind registering five goals and one assist.
The Knights are coming off a Round 1 sweep against the Carolina Eels this past weekend. Noah Madey is the organizations leading goal scorer in the postseason nothing three goals in the teams two winning appearances. Goaltender Dustin Reed was in between the pipes for both wins stopping 49 of the 53 shots faced.
Please remember games times are subject to change. All games are scheduled to be streamed on www.HockeyTV.com. Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for information and updates.
Estero, FL – The Florida Jr. Blades swept the Florida Eels to advance to the second round of playoffs this past Saturday afternoon with a 7-1 win at Germain Arena.
"We're happy with our performance this weekend. Our guys have been looking forward to playing playoff hockey and I think it showed,” said assistant coach Carlston. “We got contributions from all over the lineup and at this time of the year that is very important."
In the opening five minutes of play, both teams traded scoring opportunities until Eels Jimmy Sturdivent found a hole through goaltender Cayden Bailey for the 1-0 lead. Within two minutes, Devon Rodriquez and Matt Peterson managed to find Dillon Manchester open who netted a power play goal. Eight minutes later, assistant captain Adam Svoboda gave the Jr. Blades their first lead of the game off a feed from Matt Larmoyeux and Shea Mitruska.
After the first period, Peterson maneuvered the puck towards the net sending a shot to the back of the net. Just past the halfway point of the frame, Larmoyeux extended the Jr. Blades lead off a pass from Svoboda. With just 46 remaining, O'Mara put the Jr. Blades ahead 5-1 as they entered the second intermission.
As the third period progressed, O'Mara and Manchester set up TJ Zebley for his fifth goal of the postseason. With just five minutes remaining, Jeremy Pelletier scored a power play goal to secure the Jr. Blades 7-1 victory.
Cayden Bailey earns the win stopping 14 out of 15 shots, while Eels Jason Posner takes the loss allowing seven goals on 85 shots.
“The boys played a great team game this weekend,” head coach Todd Pococke said on the sweep. “This was another goal of ours that we can check off and we're a step closer to our final goal.”
The Jr. Blades will now take on the Atlanta Knights. The second round will commence on Friday, February 24 at 8:30 p.m. followed up by a Saturday battle at 3 p.m., finishing out on Sunday at 9 a.m. All games will be played at Germain Arena.
Game times are subject to change and scheduled to be streamed on www.HockeyTv.com. Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for information and updates.
Estero, FL- Fabio Meier earned his first shutout of the post season, seventh overall, to help lead the Florida Jr. Blades to a 12-0 win over the Florida Eels Friday night at Germain Arena for the organizations first postseason win in a best-of-three series.
Striking first, captain Evan Maxey tallied the first goal of the battle on the power play. Just six minutes later, Matt Peterson doubled the lead earning his 14th goal of the year. Closing out the frame, Jonah Nash ripped a shot into the net on the power play giving the Jr. Blades the 3-0 lead.
Just 77 seconds into the second period, TJ Zebley opened the scoring off a pass from Peterson. Within six minutes, Jeremy Pelletier earned his first point of the post season feeding the puck to Zebley who struck once more. Continuing the momentum, defenseman Devon Rodriguez stick-handled his way to a power play goal. Less than two minutes later, Devin Kasperek fed a pass to O'Mara who managed to send a shot into the back of the net to close out the period 7-0.
Exiting the second intermission, Zebley scored 32 seconds after the opening faceoff. Within three minutes, Riley Degler stretched a pass from Charlie Mondor in between the pipes. Zebley earned his fourth goal of the night after Maxey and assistant captain Shea Mitruska delivered the young gun a pass. Nash earned his second goal of the postseason just four minutes later. With 36 seconds remaining, Mondor fired a shot past the Eels netminder to secure the 12-0 win.
Fabio Meier earns the shutout win stopping all of the 19 shots faced, while Eels goaltender Jason Posner takes the loss allowing seven goals on 42 shots with Matthew Maniglia allowing five goals on 18 shots.
Estero, FL- The Florida Jr. Blades will take on the Florida Eels for a best of three series this upcoming weekend to kick off Round 1 of the post season. The first game will take place at 7:15 p.m. at Germain Arena followed up by a Saturday battle at noon. If needed the Jr. Blades will host the Eels for Game 3 on Sunday at 9 a.m.
The Jr. Blades enter this weekend with a 43-1-0 record and a 14-game winning streak. Forward Tyler O'Mara (73 pts) leads the Jr. Blades in point totals notching 28 goals and 45 assists since the start of the season. Riley Degler (57 pts) is on a five-game point streak after registering three goals and six assists. O'Mara and Hudson Grote (53 pts) both enter Round 1 of playoffs ranked in the top 15 of the leagues scoring leaders.
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Games times are subject to change. All games are scheduled to be streamed on www.HockeyTV.com. Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for information and updates.
Estero, FL- The USPHL and the Florida Jr. Blades are proud to announce that netminder Cayden Bailey has been named USP3HL Star Of The Week.
“Cayden gave yet another great showing this past weekend and we're proud of him for earning "Goaltender of the Week" for the 5th time this season!” said head coach Todd Pococke.
The selection came after Bailey earned his 11th shutout, collecting 28 saves, Sunday afternoon during a 7-0 win over the Florida Eels at Germain Arena. Bailey went 22-0 with a 1.03 goals-against average and a .961 save percentage ending out the regular season.
The Jr. Blades kick off the first round of playoffs on home ice against the Florida Eels February 17. Game time is set 7:15 p.m. Game time is subject to change and are scheduled to be streamed on www.HockeyTv.com. Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for information and updates.
Estero, FL- The Florida Jr. Blades closed out the regular season against the Florida Eels Sunday afternoon at Germain Arena with a blazing 7-0 victory. The organization ended the regular season with a 43-1-0 record and first place in the division standings with 86 points, 15 points ahead of the nearest competition.
"We're happy to close out the regular season with two more wins. It's been a great year so far, but after that 3rd period buzzer went off yesterday the post season started,” said assistant coach Carlston. “We can't wait to crank it back up for playoff hockey on Friday."
Both teams got off to a quick start creating several scoring chances before the Jr. Blades scored the first goal of the game at 13:18 of the first period. Jonas Hostovecky and captain Evan Maxey fed the puck to TJ Zebley who scored short handed to give the Jr. Blades the 1-0 lead. Just three minutes later, Tyler O'Mara steered the puck to Dillon Manchester who clipped a shot across the goal line. The Jr. Blades continued their attack when defensemen Hostovecky notched his 14th goal of the season.
For the only goal of the second, Manchester made it 4-0 with his second goal of the afternoon, collecting his ninth goal in his last eight games played.
Ten minutes into the final frame, Hudson Grote and Matt Peterson found Maxey wide open who hurled a shot past Eels netminder Jason Posner. Assistant captain Adam Svoboda added to the Jr. Blades lead with his 18th goal of the season just six minutes later. Less than two minutes later, Peterson and Jack Trathen fed a pass to Grote who closed out the assault on the Eels securing the 7-0 win.
“That was a great way for us to close out the regular season,” said head coach Todd Pococke. “Our mindset has now shifted to playoffs and the boys are ready to get back to work.”
Cayden Bailey earns his 11th shutout win of the season stopping all of the 28 shots faced, while Eels goaltender Jason Posner takes the loss allowing seven goals on 63 shots.
The Jr. Blades kick off the first round of playoffs on home ice against the Florida Eels February 17. Game time is set 7:15 p.m. Game time is subject to change and are scheduled to be streamed on www.HockeyTv.com. Please continue to visit FloridaJrBlades.com for information and updates.
