EJHL's Florida Eels tab Bloomingburg for head job

Press Release

The Texas Tornado have announced that the Florida Eels of the EJHL have hired assistant coach Jason Bloomingburg as the newest member of its coaching staff. Bloomingburg will head up the Eels EJHL-South Team and assist with the Eels Empire Team, as well. In 12 seasons, the Texas Tornado have won five NAHL championships and four USA Hockey Tier II National Championships, in addition to annually moving players to NCAA Division-I and Division-III college hockey teams. The franchise has also developed excellent young coaches who move on to programs like the Florida Eels, who are seeking to enhance its EJHL South and Empire Teams and move their players on to the next desired level.

“As someone who has known Jason since he played midget hockey in Detroit, I’m incredibly happy and proud for him,” Tornado head coach and general manager Tony Curtale said. “He played here and coached here, and I watched him grow as a player and coach. Now, he’ll get a chance to continue that journey with his first head coaching opportunity with the Eels.”

Bloomingburg’s coaching career began as a volunteer assistant for Victory Honda’s U18 team in 2009. That fall, he took an assistant coaching job with the Texas Tornado, with whom he played from 1999-2002. His main roles included scouting and recruiting, which he will continue to do until starting with the Eels on July 1st.

“With the addition of Jason, I will be able to concentrate a lot more on player development with our Empire Junior Hockey Team,” an excited Eels GM Frank Scarpaci said. “Our hockey club has a certain legacy that we felt needed to be brought back to our organization. With that being said, reestablishing the Eels tradition was certainly our main focus point during this off-season. It is what we have always been known for and Jason fits right into the Eels philosophy and focus on college advancement and academic achievement. He is a perfect fit for the Florida Eels organization.”

Bloomingburg hails from Michigan, but played his junior hockey with the Tornado from 1999-2002. After spending his freshman year at Providence College, Bloomingburg returned to his home state to play for Wayne State University, where he holds the all-time Warriors record for goals in both a single-season and a career. Following college, he went on to play professionally with the Alaska Aces, Pensacola Pilots, and Augusta Lynx of the ECHL before beginning his coaching career.

The Eels have over 70 alumni playing college hockey as well as several players recently drafted into the NHL, including Teddy Ruth, (Washington Capitals), RJ Boyd (Florida Panthers), and Brad Peltz (Ottawa Senators). Another two who were in attendance at NHL Prospects camps last summer: Malcolm Lyles (Florida Panthers), and Benniet Schneider (NY Islanders). Former Eel Cameron Darcy, now a member of the USNDTP, was also invited to NHL RDO pre-draft camp. Additionally, the team has advanced numerous alumni to the USHL, NAHL, BCHL, OPJHL, and the EJHL.


(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)