Admirals Defeat Eagles For High School Hockey Championship

UPDATE: The East Manatee Admirals defeated East Lake 5-3 last night to take home the Lightning Cup.

TAMPA, FL – In the most anticipated high school hockey match of the year, the East Lake Eagles and the East Manatee Admirals will face off to decide who will be crowned the 2018 champion of the Lightning High School Hockey League.

The game will take place Friday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Admission is free and open to the public.

The Eagles, all students at East Lake High School, advanced to the championship game by defeating Seminole, 8-2. Under the direction of head coach, Jim Anna, the Eagles scored five goals in the third period to secure the Western Conference Championship.

East Lake was led by forward Demitri Samarkos, who recorded a hat trick and four points.

In the Eastern Conference, the Admirals, comprised of high school hockey players from throughout Manatee County, defeated the Jesuit Tigers, 1-0 in shootout, to advance to the title game on Friday night.

Led by head coach Eric Wessel, Cade Wessel and Peter Morgan both scored in the shootout for the Admirals, while Tyler Moschella stopped both Tiger attempts.

The original Lightning high school team, this will be East Manatee's third time reaching the LHSHL Championship Game, previously winning the title in the league's 2015 inaugural season.

The East Lake team will make its first appearance in the championship game.

For more information, visit the Lightning High School Hockey League website.

Images via East Lake Eagles, East Manatee Admirals