Florida is more known for its beaches, resorts and golf courses than producing hockey players.
While the sport will never rival football's popularity in the Sunshine State, a former minor pro and collegiate star is helping Florida become a hockey hotbed, at least for one age group.
Ryan Brindley, born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, was a terrific college defenseman at Miami (Ohio) who embarked on a minor pro career spanning the AHL and ECHL. The final four seasons of his career were spent with the Florida Everblades, a team based in the suburbs of Fort Myers. Following retirement, he’s devoted time to helping young hockey players with his Southeast Elite Hockey organization.
His coaching has helped the ’04 Florida Alliance club become one of the top youth teams in the country. Several players he's helped along are on the radar of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, plus Division 1 college programs.
Florida Alliance came to New England this past weekend for the SuperSeries AAA Boston Breakout. Following the three-day showcase, the team left scouts and college coaches impressed.
Several of their players had impressed last month at the STX 68 Combine in Woodridge, Ill., and at the Crimson Combine at Harvard University. The SuperSeries AAA Boston Breakout allowed them and others to showcase their stuff in front of Hockey East coaches, NHLPA agents, prep coaches and junior scouts.
Ryan’s son, Gavin Brindley, is one of the top ’04 forwards in the United States. Gavin, a 5-foot-7 right-shot, is an elite skater who's slick and can maneuver in small areas. His speed allows him to get to loose pucks and separate from defensemen. His hockey sense and creativity with the puck on his stick makes him an elite playmaker.
Jackson Graber, a late ’04, had a terrific STX 68 Combine, drawing interest from several college programs. A right-shot forward from Jacksonville, he’s a very good passer and sees the ice well, especially in the offensive zone. He can find open teammates with good looks and find seams to get to the net for scoring chances.
Left-shot Bryceon Lago is a skilled, undersized defenseman from North Miami, Fla. On Friday, he showed his puck-moving capability and mobility. Right-shot defenseman Asher Wites has a similar skill set from the blue line. He’s a good skater and has quite a bit of skill with the puck on his stick. He can elevate his game even further by improving his hockey sense and getting rid of the puck quicker.
A former member of the Florida Alliance, right-shot Seamus Casey, is arguably the top ’04 forward in the United States. The Estero, Fla., native has moved north to play for the powerhouse Compuware program.
The Florida Alliance have gained such notoriety at this age group that two players from Illinois joined the team for the 2018-19 season. One of those players, Aidan Dubinsky, is a complete, two-way defender who is a top-10 defenseman in the age group. He’s the son of former Clarkson standout and pro player Steve Dubinsky. Aidan had a really good day Friday at the Boston Breakout. His hockey sense is elite and he can skate well and make simple, smart plays with the puck.
This past weekend won’t be the last time this year coaches, scouts and fans will hear from the Florida Alliance.
