Estero, Fla.- The Florida Jr. Blades welcome back Chris Lepore.
Lepore was a late season addition to the Jr. Blades. He joined the roster after playing for the Boston Bandits of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL).
A Florida native, Lepore returned to his home state bringing a great hockey sense and offensive talents. He tallied 11 points (6g, 5a) in 19 games with the Jr. Blades.
"He has a great sense of the play," said head coach and general manager Tad O'Had. "Lepore understands where he is in regards his opponents, teammates and the puck."
Lepore chose to return to the Jr. Blades after reviewing his northern options. "I had the choice to go play up north again," said Lepore. "I chose to stay with the Jr. Blades because of the training programs offered."
"We're a team founded on player development," said O'Had. "Our players are treated as professionals and that includes training at Athletic Republic."
Athletic Republic is also the off-ice training facility of the ECHL Florida Everblades. "We customize the training routines for every sport," said Todd Pococke, performance sports coordinator. "For hockey players like Chris it's about continuing to develop strength, power, speed and hockey specific skills."
For Lepore and his teammates the development starts on August 24 at Jr. Blades training camp. "I missed Jr. Blades training camp last season because I was with the Bandits. I hear it's an intense experience," said Lepore. "Last year we got close to the championship. This year I get to work from the beginning with the team and that work begins at training camp."
