KUHN: SWAMP RABBITS RECEIVE FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS FROM NORFOLK ADMIRALS

Roman Ammirato dealt to the Admirals in Tuesday trade BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have received future considerations from the Norfolk Admirals in exchange for forward Roman Ammirato. Ammirato, 26, posted five points in his first four games as a Swamp Rabbit and has 32 points in his ECHL career which has spanned time with the Rabbits and the Tulsa Oilers. He was acquired from Tulsa as part of the trade that sent Alex Globke to the Oilers. In his final year at Utica College, Ammirato's scoring prowess led them to a Division III championship and was Division III player of the year. The Swamp Rabbits head to the road to take on the Tulsa Oilers on October 30 and 31. All of the action can be heard on the Swamp Rabbits Broadcast Network, or seen on ECHL.TV. Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHN: LIAM PECARARO NAMED INGLASCO ECHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Rookie forward continues impressive start to the season with league honor BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits PRINCETON, N.J. — Greenville Swamp Rabbits forward Liam Pecararo has been named the Inglasco ECHL Player of the Week. A hat trick and an assist on Saturday, coupled with multi-point effort on Friday against the Atlanta Gladiators earned him the league's top honor of the week. The 23-year-old Massachusetts native ranks second among rookie scorers, and second among players in the entire ECHL in scoring with 11 points (8 goals, 3 assists). He is shooting an absolutely absurd 53.3% on the season. Five of his eight goals have come on special teams (3 power play goals, 2 shorthanded goals). Pecararo is currently riding a five-game point streak. He earned his stripes under legendary head coach P.K. O'Handley and the Waterloo Black Hawks, where he helped lead the team on two deep playoff runs, including a berth in the 2014 Clark Cup Final. His senior season at Northeastern University saw him put up nearly a point per game and helped lead the way to a Beanpot championship, a Hockey East championship, and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. On behalf of Pecararo, a case of pucks will be donated to a Greenville youth hockey organization by Inglasco, the exclusive puck supplier of the ECHL. Since beginning its sponsorship of the award in 2000–01, Inglasco has donated more than 41,000 pucks to youth hockey organizations in ECHL cities. Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHN: SWAMP RABBITS WEEKLY #3

Retaliation comes in the form of a weekend sweep of Glads BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits WEEKLY RECAP Knowing full well that improvement was needed after last weekend's showing against the Atlanta Gladiators, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits regrouped and found a way to pick up two wins in two different ways over the Glads this past weekend. Friday's game turned out to be a game that never felt safe. While the Swamp Rabbits never trailed, their opponent never gave up. Even up 4-1 after the first period, thanks to goals from Cédric Lacroix, Patrick Bajkov and a pair from Liam Pecararo, the Swamp Rabbits' lead was shaved down to one in the second and third periods. The Glads scored four of the final six goals of the game and took control of the momentum once goaltender Sean Bonar was pulled in favor of Martin Ouellette. Kamerin Nault scored the eventual game-winning goal, his first of the season, early in the third period, to help the Swamp Rabbits to the win. Timely saves and a strong penalty kill, partnered with another forceful offensive showing helped Greenville to victory on Saturday night over the Glads. Atlanta led the game at one point thanks to a late goal in the first period, but the Swamp Rabbits erased that and kept going. Michael Pelech and Pecararo struck twice to close out the scoring in the second and third periods, and goaltender Chris Nell made 36 saves on the night to keep Atlanta completely off the board from the 18:38 mark of the first period onward. The Swamp Rabbits' penalty kill was perfect on the weekend (11-for-11) and went 33.3% on the weekend on the power play. The team is now tied for second in the South Division entering a busy week ahead. 10/25 at Atlanta Gladiators - W 6-5 10/26 vs. Atlanta Gladiators - W 5-2 UPCOMING GAMES Greenville Swamp Rabbits at Tulsa Oilers Wednesday, October 30 - 8:05 p.m. Listen — Watch Greenville Swamp Rabbits at Tulsa Oilers Thursday, October 31 - 8:05 p.m. Listen — Watch $3 BEER NIGHT - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 at 7:05 p.m. Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. Jacksonville Icemen Tickets — Listen — Watch Greenville Swamp Rabbits at Atlanta Gladiators Sunday, November 3 - 2:00 p.m. Listen — Watch PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Liam Pecararo - 2 GP | 4 G - 2 A - 6 P Not only one of the ECHL's top-scoring rookies, but Liam Pecararo is now one of the league's top-scoring players overall. His 11 points rank second among rookies and players in the league. He posted multi-goal efforts in both games, scored two shorthanded goals and one power-play goal. Pecararo has a hand in 39.2% of the team's scoring through the first six games of the 2019–20 season. RABBIT TAILS The Swamp Rabbits own the mark for the most goals on average per game (4.67), and have not been held below three goals per game this season. The Swamp Rabbits' four shorthanded goals lead the league. At the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the Swamp Rabbits own a +8 goal differential, the highest among ECHL teams. Liam Pecararo is currently on a five-game point streak, where all 11 of his points have been scored in that span. Forward Nathan Perkovich has been the reliable playmaker this season, as he ranks third in the league with 7 assists. Adam Larkin's impressive start continued over the past weekend. His 6 points rank third among defensemen in the ECHL. Captain Michael Pelech is nearing a milestone. He sits just 9 points away from hitting 500 career ECHL points. SOUTH DIVISION STANDINGS South Carolina Stingrays (5-1-0) - 10 pts Greenville Swamp Rabbits (4-2-0) - 8 pts Florida Everblades (4-1-0) - 8 pts Norfolk Admirals (2-4-1) - 5 pts Atlanta Gladiators (2-3-0) - 4 pts Jacksonville Icemen (1-1-2) - 4 pts Orlando Solar Bears (1-3-1) - 3 pts *standings as of 10:00 a.m. on October 28, 2019 Read the full article

KUHN: GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS RELEASE SEASON OPENING ROSTER

24 players head into 10th Anniversary season, which begins on October 12 BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes and Charlotte Checkers, have released the 2019–20 Season Opening Roster, which includes 24 players. Bolstered by AHL contracted players and a new affiliation with the Carolina Hurricanes, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits look to make a statement during the 10th Anniversary season starting on Saturday, October 12 in Jacksonville. The Season Opening Roster is as follows: #1 Chris Nell - Goaltender (Reserve) #3 Zach Franko - Forward (Injured Reserve) #4 Chad Duchesne - Defenseman #5 Dylan MacPherson - Defenseman #7 Adam Larkin - Defenseman #8 Roman Ammirato - Forward #9 Mason Baptista - Forward #10 Luke Ripley - Defenseman #12 Johno May - Forward #14 Travis Howe - Forward #15 J.C. Brassard - Defenseman #17 Will Lochead - Defenseman #18 Nathan Perkovich - Forward #19 Jake Bolton - Defenseman #20 Cédric Lacroix - Forward #21 Patrick Bajkov - Forward #22 Cliff Pu - Forward (Reserve) #23 Michael Pelech - Forward #25 Shaquille Merasty - Forward #26 Brien Diffley - Defenseman #27 Thomas Ebbing - Forward #28 Liam Pecararo - Forward #30 Callum Booth - Goaltender #35 Ryan Bednard - Goaltender Returners to the Swamp Rabbits from last season include Nell, Larkin, Ripley, Brassard, Bolton, Duchesne, Ebbing, Pelech, May, Howe and Franko, coupled with eight players from the American Hockey League level. The 2019–20 season gets underway on Saturday, October 12 in Jacksonville. Opening Night is right around the corner, and single-game tickets are on sale now! Get your tickets to the beginning of the 10th Anniversary Season on Friday, October 18 by going to SwampRabbits.com, or by going to the GSP International Airport Box Office at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHNS: RABBITS TRIPPED UP BY STINGRAYS

South Carolina utilizes early surge to pick up a win BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits BOXSCORE GREENVILLE, S.C. — Outshot 19-8 in the first period, and down 2-0 in the early stages of the second period, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits could not recover from an early surge by the visiting South Carolina Stingrays in a 4-1 loss on Saturday night at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Cam Askew set the tone early for the Rays with a goal just over three minutes into the action with a dipsy doodle from the left-wing side and lifted a shot over Ryan Bednard's shoulder to start the scoring. The Rays extended their lead to 2-0 on a one-time blast from Cole Ully in the second following a bad bounce on a failed clear, but the Swamp Rabbits looked to gain some footing, and did, with use of special teams. Roman Ammirato and Mason Baptista teamed up to set up Brien Diffley, who converted on a scramble at the net-front for his second goal in as many games. The power play went 2-for-10 in the preseason. Unfortunately for Greenville, that celebration lasted only 15 seconds. On the ensuing shift, Max Novak forced a steal in the neutral zone and bore down the left-wing and converted to re-establish the two-goal advantage. Jonathan Charbonneau put it away for the Rays with a goal of his own early in the third. Billy Christopoulos did his best at the other end. The Air Force product made 40 saves in a masterful performance. His best work came in the third period when the Swamp Rabbits put on a shot blitz that involved a 17-7 shot margin in favor of the home team. Bednard was forced to hold the fort plenty as well. He made 35 saves on the night and had his standout moment in the first period. With Dylan Steman staring at an open cage, Bednard flashed across with the blocker hand and made a sensational save to keep the game 1-0. South Carolina swept the preseason home-and-home following a 4-2 victory last night at the Carolina Ice Palace. The Swamp Rabbits' season begins on Saturday, October 12 against the Jacksonville Icemen in Jacksonville. Catch all of the action on the Swamp Rabbits Broadcast Network, or on the ECHL's streaming video provider, ECHL.TV. Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHNS: SWAMP RABBITS SIGN CHRIS NELL

Goaltender Returns to the Upstate BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — Goaltender Chris Nell has signed a Standard Player Contract to return to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits for the 2019–20 season. Nell played in 27 games for the Swamp Rabbits last season in a large stint as the team's starter in the middle of the season. Nell posted a record of 11-14-2 with a shutout in his 27 games as a Swamp Rabbit. He also played for the Maine Mariners last season and went 4-6-0. The Wisconsin native has AHL experience with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League on three different occasions. Nell also played for the Adirondack Thunder and the Kansas City Mavericks of the ECHL. Nell holds a career 20-27-2 record in the ECHL, 2 shutouts, a 3.28 goals-against-average and a .900 save percentage in two seasons. Prior to his pro career, Nell played at Bowling Green State University with plenty of accolades, including a Mike Richter Award nominee as the best goaltender in the NCAA in his sophomore season, along with Jim Ruehl Best Defensive Player and Jim Sears Most Valuable Player award and All-WCHA First Team honors with one of the best seasons a goaltender had ever posted with the Falcons. Catch the Swamp Rabbits in preseason action tonight against the South Carolina Stingrays at 6:05 p.m. Tickets are just $10, or FREE for full and half-season ticket holders. For tickets, call or stop by the Bon Secours Wellness Arena box office. Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHN: MISCUES COST SWAMP RABBITS IN PRESEASON OPENER

Rays strike twice in the third period to stifle Rabbits BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits BOXSCORE NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Greenville Swamp Rabbits held a lead in the second period and held a tie going into the third, but two goals by the home-standing South Carolina Stingrays put them in the lead for good, leading to a 4-2 defeat on Friday night at the Carolina Ice Palace. Phil Johansson and Dan DeSalvo struck in a span of four minutes to give the Rays the 4-2 advantage early in the third. They also outshot the Swamp Rabbits 10-7 in the final frame. Both goals came from the high slot after a defensive breakdown and beat goaltender Callum Booth clean. Greenville shook off an early goal from Tom Parisi and struck back in force in the second period. First, on a major power play after Patrick Bajkov was shoved into the wall on a head contact penalty, the Swamp Rabbits responded. Johno May and Liam Pecararo teamed up to set up Brien Diffley from the top of the point with a slap shot that found a way to tie the score at one. Three minutes later, on a sloppy defensive zone retreat, Cliff Pu pounced on a loose puck, went in on goal on a partial breakaway and converted five-hole to give the Swamp Rabbits the lead. Stephane Legault tied the score at 2-2 seven minutes later. The opportunity was there for the Swamp Rabbits, especially on special teams, with six power play chances to choose from, but only Diffley's goal stood on the man advantage. The Swamp Rabbits killed off both South Carolina chances. Booth made 22 saves in the loss. The Swamp Rabbits will host a preseason tune-up against the Stingrays on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. Tickets are just $10! Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHN: SWAMP RABBITS RECEIVE REINFORCEMENTS FROM AHL

New faces abound in training camp, heating up competition BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — 11 players have been sent as reinforcements to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits' training camp roster from the Charlotte Checkers and Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League. The Charlotte Checkers have released forwards Zach Franko, Lincoln Griffin and Mason Baptista, as well as defenseman Brien Diffley, from their professional tryouts (PTOs) and have been re-assigned to the Swamp Rabbits' training camp. Additionally, the Springfield Thunderbirds have released defenseman Adam Larkin and forward Shaquille Merasty from their PTOs and are now in Swamp Rabbits camp. The T-Birds also re-assigned defensemen Dylan MacPherson and Will Lochead, as well as forwards Patrick Bajkov, Cliff Pu and Liam Pecararo to the Swamp Rabbits, effective immediately. MacPherson, 21, is entering his first full season as a professional after a three-year junior career with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League. The young defenseman was never drafted into the WHL and carved out 181 games of junior hockey experience, 43 points and a +15 mark. He was also only ever dinged for 18 minor penalties in his career. Lochead, 21, served as an alternate captain on the London Knights of the OHL last season and enters his first professional season out of his junior career. He brings 210 games of junior hockey experience, and a +40 mark, to the blue line for Greenville. Bajkov, 21, spent last season with the Thunderbirds, the Manchester Monarchs and the Florida Everblades. The former 100-point scorer with the Everett Silvertips joins the Swamp Rabbits as a strong playmaker. 10 of his 14 points on the 'Blades were assists in 31 games. His production got him the attention of NHL scouts during the 2016 NHL Draft but went undrafted. The BC native scored his first ECHL goal at the expense of Greenville on January 9, 2019. Pu, 21, is a 2016 third-round pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2016 NHL Draft. Last season, he spent most of his season with the Charlotte Checkers (44 games), but also played nine games for the T-Birds and five games for the Florida Everblades, where he was a point-per-game player. Pu played 232 games in the OHL, was nearly a point-per-game player, and spent most of his time with the London Knights. His production was part of an OHL championship and a Memorial Cup championship with the Knights in 2016. Pecararo, 23, enters his first full professional season out of Northeastern University, where he was part of the Huskies' resurgence. His steady production at Northeastern helped them to a Hockey East title in 2019. He comes from a strong junior hockey program in Waterloo, where, under head coach P.K. O'Handley, helped the Black Hawks to within a game of the Clark Cup Final in 2016, a Clark Cup Final berth in 2014, and a third playoff berth in 2013. He was a consistent performer in clutch games, with 19 points in 22 career USHL playoff games. Catch the Swamp Rabbits in preseason action this Saturday, October 5 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena against the South Carolina Stingrays. Tickets are just $10, or FREE for full and half-season ticket holders. For tickets, call or stop by the Bon Secours Wellness Arena box office. Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHN: TEN SWAMP RABBITS PLAYERS TAKE PART IN AHL CAMPS

Opportunities abound for Greenville players to test their mettle BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — Ten Greenville Swamp Rabbits players are currently taking part in American Hockey League training camps ahead of the beginning of training camp and preseason here in Greenville. Six players will be taking part with the Charlotte Checkers, the primary AHL affiliate of the Swamp Rabbits. Charlotte Checkers D - Brien Diffley F - Ryan Horvat F - Mason Baptista F - Zach Franko F - Lincoln Griffin F - Cédric Lacroix Springfield Thunderbirds D - Adam Larkin F - Shaquille Merasty San Diego Gulls F - Johno May Manitoba Moose F - Kamerin Nault Cuts from American Hockey League camps will be made over the next couple of weeks, leading to a highly competitive roster vying for spots on the team. Decisions on the final Swamp Rabbits roster by head coach Kevin Kerr and assistant coach Kahlil Thomas will be made ahead of game one in Jacksonville on October 12. The preseason kicks off at Carolina Ice Palace in Charleston on October 4. The first day of training camp, Sunday, September 29, is open to the public. On-ice sessions at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena will begin at 10:00 a.m. Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHN: RELIABLE CENTER THOMAS EBBING INKS DEAL

24-year-old forward adds responsible defensive presence BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have brought in another reliable forward to the mix with the signing of forward Thomas Ebbing to a Standard Player Contract for the 2019–20 season. Ebbing played 55 games with Greenville last season after beginning the season in Fort Wayne. Ebbing, who entered the year with significant AHL experience, provided a steady offensive contribution, and a valuable utility role as a reliable option at even strength or on special teams. The Michigan native routinely saw time in all three facets of the game. The AHL took notice of his efforts in Greenville and Fort Wayne once more, as, after the conclusion of the year, he was signed to a Professional Tryout Contract (PTO) by the Laval Rocket, AHL affiliate of the Montréal Canadiens. He had also played significant time with Laval during the 2017–18 season. Overall, the looming third-year pro has 118 games of professional hockey experience between the AHL and ECHL. Ebbing developed as a set-up man and shot-blocking machine in college at Michigan State University. With the Spartans, he led the Big Ten in shot blocks as a freshman with 45, finished with 49 blocks, the most in the conference as a sophomore, and his 59 as a junior were fourth in the entire NCAA. Ebbing spent one year in North America's sole Tier I junior hockey league, the USHL, as a member of the Chicago Steel. His solid year earned him a trip to the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Muskegon, and a ranking by NHL Central Scouting for the 2013 NHL Draft. The following players are now under contract for the 2019–20 season: F - Michael Pelech (29) F - Johno May (25) F - Travis Howe (25) F - Kamerin Nault (23) F - Mason Baptista (29) F - Roman Ammirato (26) F - Daniel Perez (25) F - Nathan Perkovich (33) F - Cédric Lacroix (24) F - Zach Franko (26) F - Lincoln Griffin (22) F - Shaquille Merasty (28) F - Ryan Horvat (26) F - Thomas Ebbing (24) D - J.C. Brassard (23) D - Luke Ripley (25) D - Adam Larkin (24) D - Jake Bolton (27) D - Brien Diffley (24) D - Chad Duchesne (24) G - Kyle Hayton (25) More signings will take place throughout the offseason, so stay tuned to the Swamp Rabbits on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHN: CAREER SWAMP RABBIT CHAD DUCHESNE RETURNS

Fourth-year pro re-joins Greenville blue line BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — A Greenville mainstay, defenseman Chad Duchesne has agreed to terms on a Standard Player Contract for the 2019–20 season. Duchesne enters the season only ever having played for the Swamp Rabbits and ranks tied for the sixth-most games played in a Rabbits uniform. Duchesne, just 24 years of age, tied a career-high in goals (1), set a new career-high in assists (18), points (19), penalty minutes (96), shots on goal (113) and plus-minus (+3) last season under the direction of head coach Kevin Kerr. The second half of the season revitalized Duchesne's game and forged him into an all situations player. 18 of his 19 points were scored while at even strength. The Ontario native's junior career saw him play in the OJHL with the Kingston Voyageurs, in the USHL with the Sioux Falls Stampede, and in the OHL with the Kingston Frontenacs. He joined Greenville following his last year in the OHL after aging out. Last season, Duchesne served as part of the leadership group as an alternate captain for the first time in his career. In 178 games as a Swamp Rabbit across three seasons, Duchesne has scored three goals and 27 assists. The following players are now under contract for the 2019–20 season: F - Michael Pelech (29) F - Johno May (25) F - Travis Howe (25) F - Kamerin Nault (23) F - Mason Baptista (29) F - Roman Ammirato (26) F - Daniel Perez (25) F - Nathan Perkovich (33) F - Cédric Lacroix (24) F - Zach Franko (26) F - Lincoln Griffin (22) F - Shaquille Merasty (28) F - Ryan Horvat (26) D - J.C. Brassard (23) D - Luke Ripley (25) D - Adam Larkin (24) D - Jake Bolton (27) D - Brien Diffley (24) D - Chad Duchesne (24) G - Kyle Hayton (25) More signings will take place throughout the offseason, so stay tuned to the Swamp Rabbits on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHN: SWAMP RABBITS RELEASE 2019–2020 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

Old favorites and new ideas highlight 10th Anniversary season BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — A mix of old favorites and brand-new, exciting nights highlight the Greenville Swamp Rabbits' 2019–20 Promotional Schedule in honor of the organization's 10th Anniversary season. The schedule as posted here is as it stands on Thursday, September 5. All dates and themes on the schedule are subject to change. 2019–2020 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE October Friday, October 18 vs. Jacksonville Icemen - Opening Night, 10th Anniversary Poster Giveaway, presented by Bon Secours Sunday, October 20 vs. Atlanta Gladiators - Postgame Skate Saturday, October 26 vs. Atlanta Gladiators - Halloween Trick-or-Treat/Anti-Bullying Night November Saturday, November 2 vs. Jacksonville Icemen - Poster Giveaway Saturday, November 9 vs. South Carolina Stingrays - Hockey Heroes 4 Epilepsy Saturday, November 16 vs. Indy Fuel - Pucks 'N' Paws I Sunday, November 17 vs. Florida Everblades - Postgame Skate Thursday, November 21 vs. Jacksonville Icemen - School Day Game Friday, November 22 vs. Atlanta Gladiators - Hockey Fights Cancer, presented by Bon Secours December Friday, December 13 vs. Orlando Solar Bears - Teddy Bear Toss Sunday, December 15 vs. Orlando Solar Bears - Sing For Santa + Postgame Skate Friday, December 27 vs. Norfolk Admirals - Star Wars Night Saturday, December 28 vs. Norfolk Admirals - Ugly Sweater Night + Holiday Skate (afternoon and postgame) January Thursday, January 2 vs. Norfolk Admirals - Thirsty Thursday + College Night Friday, January 3 vs. Norfolk Admirals - Nickelodeon Night Sunday, January 5 vs. Florida Everblades - Underwear Toss + Postgame Skate Friday, January 10 vs. Florida Everblades - Dave & Buster's Night Sunday, January 12 vs. South Carolina Stingrays - DC Comics Night + Postgame Skate Friday, January 17 vs. Norfolk Admirals - Manufacturing Night Saturday, January 18 vs. Norfolk Admirals - Rival Night featuring Clemson vs. USC hockey doubleheader Friday, January 31 vs. Florida Everblades - Stomper's Birthday February Saturday, February 1 vs. Utah Grizzlies - Pucks 'N' Paws II Sunday, February 2 vs. Atlanta Gladiators - Kids Free Day + Postgame Skate Friday, February 21 vs. Worcester Railers - Folds of Honor Night Saturday, February 22 vs. Worcester Railers - Marvel Comics Night March Thursday, March 12 vs. Florida Everblades - Heroes Weekend + Business Power Play Friday, March 13 vs. Atlanta Gladiators - Heroes Weekend Continued Sunday, March 15 vs. Atlanta Gladiators - Fan Appreciation Night + Poster Giveaway Thursday, March 19 vs. Atlanta Gladiators - Thirsty Thursday + Fan Choice Night April Wednesday, April 1 vs. South Carolina Stingrays - Team Picture Poster Giveaway + Player Autograph Session Individual tickets for all games will go on sale on September 16, but don't forget, Full and Half Season Ticket plans are on sale now! Find more information at SwampRabbits.com. Read the full article

KUHNS: PLAYMAKER ZACH FRANKO SIGNS WITH GREENVILLE

Late-season acquisition returns to Swamp Rabbits BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — Forward Zach Franko returns to the fold in 2019–20, as he has agreed to terms and has signed a Standard Player Contract. The late-season acquisition adds on to the existing returning core for next season. Franko was acquired from the Idaho Steelheads along with defenseman Clint Lewis in exchange for the forward, Will Merchant on March 5, 2019. He entered the ECHL after a strong season with the University of Manitoba, alongside top scorer and current teammate Kamerin Nault. While it was a bit of a slow start for Franko offensively in Idaho, his numbers blossomed in Greenville under head coach Kevin Kerr. He notched 8 points in 12 games, including points in four of his last five games to end the season. His best performance came on Fan Appreciation Night, where he scored two goals and an assist vs. Orlando on March 29. Franko spent four years in the Canadian college circuit between the University of Manitoba and Acadia University, and prior to that, played for the Kootenay Ice and the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League. His first season at Acadia saw him garner All-Rookie Team honors with a 30-point season. The 26-year-old Winnipegger brings 331 games of junior hockey experience and 105 games of Canadian college hockey experience to the table after taking the slow and steady route to the pro ranks. The following players are now under contract for the 2019–20 season: F - Michael Pelech (29) F - Johno May (25) F - Travis Howe (25) F - Kamerin Nault (23) F - Mason Baptista (29) F - Roman Ammirato (26) F - Daniel Perez (25) F - Nathan Perkovich (33) F - Zach Franko (26) D - J.C. Brassard (23) D - Luke Ripley (25) D - Adam Larkin (24) More signings will take place throughout the offseason, so stay tuned to the Swamp Rabbits on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHNS: SWAMP RABBITS ACQUIRE LACROIX FROM NAILERS

Rough and tumble scoring winger joins a talented forward group BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have acquired forward Cédric Lacroix from the Wheeling Nailers in exchange for future considerations. Lacroix, 24, completed his first professional season in Wheeling and did so successfully as the team's top goal scorer. Lacroix was one of two 20+ goal scorers on Wheeling's roster last season but was also unafraid to get his nose dirty. He ended his first professional season with 215 penalty minutes, good for sixth in the league. His success saw him see a one-game recall by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, where he posted a two-goal game in his AHL debut on April 14. Perhaps most impressively, the Québec native's offense was spread out throughout the season. He only notched a multi-goal game last season in Wheeling twice. Last season against Greenville, he posted a goal and instigated a scrap with one forward, Travis Howe. The Quebec native comes from an NHL bloodline. His father, Daniel, played 188 NHL games for the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders. That extensive career also spanned 13 seasons. Cédric played his collegiate career at the University of Maine. There, he played in 145 games, and was a strong player on the ice, serving as part of the leadership group in his senior season, and a strong student in the classroom, as a Hockey East All-Academic three times. Being a leader is not out of Lacroix's wheelhouse. In his final of two years with the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL, he was named an alternate captain. His rough, edgy play style also developed in the United States' only Tier I junior hockey league, as he put up over 100 penalty minutes in both seasons there. Lacroix joins the Swamp Rabbits roster, along with forwards Michael Pelech, Johno May, Kamerin Nault, Mason Baptista, Roman Ammirato, Daniel Perez, Nathan Perkovich, Howe, and defensemen J.C. Brassard, Luke Ripley, and Adam Larkin. Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHNS: LONGTIME PRO NATHAN PERKOVICH JOINS SWAMP RABBITS

Former Everblades forward adds immediate offensive firepower to lineup BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Greenville Swamp Rabbits' offense received a major boost. The team has come to an agreement on terms of a Standard Player Contract with the 10-year pro, Nathan Perkovich. The veteran forward has played at the AHL and ECHL levels in North America, as well as the KHL, Russia's top professional league, and the EBEL, the top professional league in Austria. Across each of those leagues, the 33-year-old forward has taken part in 440 pro contests, has scored 80 goals and 81 assists. Last season, split between Croatia's Medveščak Zagreb and the ECHL's Florida Everblades, Perkovich had a standout season. He posted 22 goals and 12 assists and finished a +14. He showed a penchant for being clutch, having finished second on the 'Blades with five game-winning goals. On a completely stacked Everblades club, Perkovich ranked sixth in scoring (34 points), fifth in goals (22), second in power play goals (5) and tops in shootout goals (3). Perkovich was tasked to be a set-up man during Florida's run to the Eastern Conference Final against Newfoundland. In 14 playoff games, he scored a goal and added seven assists. Prior to last season, the 6-foot-5, 216 pound Perkovich had spent the last seven seasons with Zagreb—many of those games played at the KHL level. He was named the captain of the club during the 2017–18 season, and kept that role into 2018–19, but left for North America seven games into the season. While it took some time for Perkovich to acclimate to junior hockey out of Detroit Catholic Central High School, where he won two state titles, the lessons learned under legendary head coach Mark Carlson with the USHL's Cedar Rapids RoughRiders took hold. After the 2003–04 season in Iowa, the New Jersey Devils drafted him in the eighth round, 250th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. After two seasons with the Chicago Steel, his last being the most productive on his club, he moved to the college ranks with Lake Superior State University. At Lake State, the Croatian-American forward had a storied career. He led the Lakers in goals as a freshman (15) and a sophomore (17). He shared possession of the Soo Blueliners Most Outstanding Freshman award with teammate Simon Gysbers, and his 25 points as a sophomore gave him sole possession of team MVP. Overall, he scored 44 goals and 27 assists in three seasons at Lake Superior State University. His first assignment in pro hockey following his junior year at Lake State was to the Lowell Devils. He spent 161 games at the AHL level before making the jump across the pond to play in Croatia. Perkovich has routinely represented Croatia in the World Championships. His latest time doing so, following the 2016–17 season, he served as an alternate captain of the squad. The following players are now under contract for the 2019–20 season: F - Michael Pelech (29) F - Johno May (25) F - Travis Howe (25) F - Kamerin Nault (23) F - Mason Baptista (29) F - Roman Ammirato (26) F - Daniel Perez (25) F - Nathan Perkovich (33) D - J.C. Brassard (23) D - Luke Ripley (25) D - Adam Larkin (24) More signings will take place throughout the offseason, so stay tuned to the Swamp Rabbits on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article

KUHN: SWAMP RABBITS SIGN DANIEL PEREZ

Big-bodied presence strengthens the forward group BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have agreed to terms on a Standard Player Contract with forward Daniel Perez. The 25-year-old New Jersey native joined Greenville's roster to end the season and was an immediate shot in the arm of offensive production. His tenure with the University of Maine may not have seen him be a particularly offensively productive forward (19 points), but he immediately clicked at the pro level. He began by scoring a goal in his first pro game on March 31 and tallied four shots on goal. After that, his presence was felt in Norfolk. He posted a four-point effort in a win on April 5 and generated numerous scoring chances in the two wins against the Admirals to close out the regular season. In a closeout loss to the Ads, he fired six shots on goal. The former captain of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights, then in the EHL, put up 89 points in his 86-game tenure. Both seasons at the EHL level, he put up 20+ goal seasons. In his final season, he scored 49 points and was named an EHL Second Team All-Star selection. The following players are now under contract for the 2019–20 season: F - Michael Pelech (29) F - Johno May (25) F - Travis Howe (25) F - Kamerin Nault (23) F - Mason Baptista (29) F - Roman Ammirato (26) F - Daniel Perez (25) D - J.C. Brassard (23) D - Luke Ripley (25) D - Adam Larkin (24) More signings will take place throughout the offseason, so stay tuned to the Swamp Rabbits on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages! Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties! Read the full article