ESTERO, FL- The Florida Jr. Blades 16U Futures program became champions after capturing the Florida Panthers Thanksgiving Tournament this past weekend. The Futures team recorded a 5-1 overall record during the three-day tournament at the Panthers Ice Den in Coral Springs, Florida. 

“Overall this weekend was a test of resilience and bringing our best, game in and game out,” said GM Tony Lessel. “We knew even upon registering for this tournament we would get the best of each team we played, we’d be the marked team in the tournament.”

Opening the holiday tournament, Futures dominated the first two games with wins against the Oakville Rangers and Golden Wolves. Futures would drop the third battle 3-2 against the Jr. Panthers, but rebounded shortly after against the Palm Beach Blackhawks with a 2-0 shutout win.

Advancing to the Semi-Finals, Futures faced the Jr. Panthers with a renewed spirt to successfully hand the Panthers a 3-1 loss.

To close out the tournament, Futures ended the Blackhawks chances of victory in the Finals as they were defeated 3-0.

“Although we had a minor hiccup along the way the boys turned things around against older competition to finish the tournament off in impressive fashion holding the Blackhawks to single digit shots in the Final,” said Lessel on the winning weekend. “Coach Flores and the boys made the organization proud capping off the holiday weekend in style.”

For more information on the 16U Futures program,  Florida Jr. Blades and upcoming news for the 2017-18 season continue to visit www.FloridaJrBlades.com or www.JrEverblades.org.