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Swamp Rabbits Sign Three from College Ranks

Tuesday, August 21st
Swamp Rabbits Sign Three from College Ranks

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits announced today that three collegiate players have come to contract agreements with the club. Forward Dylan Vander Esch, and defensemen Luke Ripley and Kyle Chatham have all inked deals with the Swamp Rabbits and will join the team for the 2018-19 campaign.

“Each of these players brings something different to the table,” said Swamp Rabbits head coach Kevin Kerr. “Dylan has a lot of offensive upside to his game and we are looking to develop him into a full 200-foot player. On the defensive side, Luke is a big body who plays physical in the defensive zone and will a big help in front of the net. Kyle got a chance to see what ECHL hockey looks like last year and gives us some puck-moving depth on the blue line.”

Vander Esch, 24, turned pro at the end of last season after playing four seasons at SUNY Potsdam. His first action in the pro circuit was with the Wheeling Nailers in February before heading to the Macon Mayhem. The San Jose, California native produced 16 points (7G, 9A) in 12 games with the Mayhem and was fourth on the team in the postseason with six points (1G, 5A) in six games. The 6-foot-1 forward collected 101 points (62G, 39A) in 100 NCAA Division III games and captained the Bears in the 2017-18 campaign.

Ripley, 24, was a four-year skater at Notre Dame and served a pair of seasons as alternate captain for his alma-mater. The 6-foot-5, 207-pound blue liner was a defensive stalwart, playing 120 games, earning 15 points (3G, 12A) and a plus-11 rating in his collegiate career. As a sophomore, the Kitimat, British Columbia native was second among defensemen on the team with a plus-12 rating.

Before enrolling with the Fighting Irish, Ripley played a pair of seasons for the Powell River Kings in the BCHL.

Chatham, 25, saw his first pro action with the Reading Royals last season. The rookie skater played three games after playing his senior season at Lake Superior State University. The blue liner was a four-year regular for the Lakers, suiting up for 146 career games and earning 24 points (5G, 19A). As a junior, the Belleville, Illinois native was named the club’s most valuable defenseman and set career bests in goals, assists, and points. Chatham also teamed up with Ripley in 2013-14 on Powell River, reaching the division final.

The additions of Vander Esch, Ripley, and Chatham give the Swamp Rabbits 17 players on the offseason roster. The list also includes goaltender Garrett Bartus, forwards Stephen PierogAusten Brassard, Mike PelechTravis HoweAlex Globke, Timmy Moore, Will MerchantJT Henke and Johno May and defensemen Jake Bolton, JC BrassardTrevor Owens, and Sean Flanagan. As the offseason continues, stay tuned to SwampRabbits.com for a full updated list of players to sign for the upcoming season.

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 2018-19 ticket plans, special group rates and hospitality opportunities and to secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at SwampRabbits.com/shop to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties!

Upcoming Home Games

Full Schedule
STAR WARS NIGHT, presented by Champion Comfort Experts
Saturday, November 9th
STAR WARS NIGHT, presented by Champion Comfort Experts
Puck Drops:
7:05 PM EST
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Atlanta Gladiators
ATL Atlanta Gladiators
at
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
GVL Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
SCHOOL DAY GAME, presented by AFL Global (10:30 AM PUCK DROP)
Wednesday, November 13th
SCHOOL DAY GAME, presented by AFL Global (10:30 AM PUCK DROP)
Puck Drops:
10:30 AM EST
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Savannah Ghost Pirates
SAV Savannah Ghost Pirates
at
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
GVL Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
FAITH AND FAMILY DAY, presented by Abide Roofing
Saturday, November 16th
FAITH AND FAMILY DAY, presented by Abide Roofing
Puck Drops:
4:05 PM EST
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Florida Everblades
FLA Florida Everblades
at
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
GVL Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

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