The Eels are extremely thrilled to announce that Russian star player NIKITA LOPATIN has returned to the Florida Eels this season. Nikita came to the Eels last season as a rookie junior player. He played in Canada for the Ontario Hockey Academy acquiring good seasoning. While at the OHA he amassed a total of 42 goals and 42 assists. Impressively, while in Russia in 32 games he scored 23 goals and 16 assists for 39 points. For the Eels in his rookie year in 42 games he cannoned 26 goals and notched equally in 26 assists for a total of 52 points. We saw quite readily this kid is a natural goal scorer.

NIKITA made the adjustment to juniors probably easier than any player I have ever had in my program says GM Frank Scarpaci. As a 1999, he played with tremendous maturity and poise. He clearly stands far above anyone else in his age category. He has an extremely high hockey IQ and his has the skill set of a 1996 player says Premier Head Coach Frankie Scarpaci. He is an excellent skater, possess great hands and makes crisp accurate razor like passes. But there is no doubt anyone ever scouting this young man will tell you his strongest attribute is his big league shot. He has that “Pro” shot that terrorizes goalies. His slap shot is not only canon like….but it reaches the net. That is a key to his arsenal. So many players develop their shot but the puck hardly reaches the net. We have often heard the phase “Russian Rocket” well folks this kid has it says GM Scarpaci. He is so exciting to watch….

With Nikita the puck finds its way on net. It comes with such force and velocity. Equally threatening is NIKITA’s snap shot and wrist shots. They are equally pointed and piercing. Coach Frankie Scarpaci echoed, “One thing for sure one of 3 things will happen when he takes a shot. He will score, create a scoring opportunity by a rebound or garner us a face off. That is the hallmark of his game.

Coach Scarpaci also opined that NIKITA is a great leader as well. His maturity speaks volumes on and off the ice. At 6’1” 190 pounds he is in excellent shape and demands the same unwavering commitment from his teammates. Everyday not only does he practice 1 ½ hours on the ice and another 1 ½ hours strength and conditioning at World Gym, he comes back religiously 5 days per week and shots 150-200 pucks a day. Funny thing he does not need this extra shooting practice, but my heavens that is what makes his shots so deadly. An example of his commitment and dedication to the Eels this season is his precise presence here in Florida. He came back 3 weeks before training camp even started to get working with Premier head coach Frankie Scarpaci to get ready for Pre Season training camp. Now that says it all. He is thousands of miles away from home but he is empathically committed to his Eels team and his coach.

Coach Scarpaci concludes, NIKITA has the insatiable appetite to win. He comes to the rink every day with that fire in his eyes. The determination and dedication is written all over his face. On game day he excludes nothing less.

GM Scarpaci notes, “We expect him to advance to the highest levels in this sport. No question he is a top NCAA player. How far he advances…. just keep watching him. The college coaches have already targeted him on their radar and we are unequivocally excited about his presence and contributions this season. Welcome back Nita.”