Goaltender Hayden Hawkey Signs With Greenville

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have signed goaltender Hayden Hawkey to a Standard Player Contract for the upcoming 2020–21 season. Hawkey concluded the 2019–20 season with the Swamp Rabbits, but did not see game action in the Upstate due to the shortened season."My time in Greenville last season was short and I didn't get to see much of the city, but I'm excited to be back, I'm excited for the opportunity with our new head coach, and I'm excited to see what we can do this year with the group we have," Hawkey said. "I've heard it's a great atmosphere, a great town and the South Division is one of the best out there, so I want to see what I can do."Hawkey finished the 2019–20 season with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits after being claimed off of waivers on March 7. He started his pro career with the Kansas City Mavericks after a sterling four years at Providence College and made three appearances, including getting the start on KC's Opening Night on October 11.The 25-year-old goaltender from Parker, Colorado, was drafted by the Montréal Canadiens in the sixth round, 177th overall, in the 2014 NHL Draft, during his time with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL. At Providence, he appeared in 125 games, posted a 2.02 goals against average, and a .918 save percentage to go along with a 72-36-13 record."Hayden had a great college career at Providence and he definitely has the potential to be a good goalie at the pro level given the opportunity. He is a big goalie who reads the game well and who will never stop competing," said head coach Andrew Lord. "We've had some great talks with Hayden and were impressed by his character and desire to make an impact at the pro level. It's good to have him on board."With Hawkey in net, the Friars qualified for the NCAA Tournament in all four years of his tenure, including a trip to the Frozen Four in 2018–19. Their loss was to the eventual national champion, the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. Hawkey finished his collegiate career as a semifinalist for the Mike Richter Award, given to the NCAA's top goaltender, and was named a Hockey East All-Star Honorable Mention.Hawkey also tops the Providence hockey history leaderboards in games played by a goaltender (124), wins (72), minutes played in a career (7,260), career shutouts (16), shutouts in a single season (8) and shutouts in NCAA Tournament games (2). He ranks second in career GAA (2.02), and eighth in total saves (2,741).Hawkey completed his USHL career with the Omaha Lancers with a 27-13-5 record, a 2.29 GAA and a .917 save percentage. His first season in Omaha was his best, however, as he captured 2014 USHL Goaltender of the Year, All-USHL First Team and USHL All-Rookie Team honors with a 22-6-3 record, a 1.99 GAA and a .926 save percentage during the regular season. Both of those goaltending metrics were the league's best.SEASON TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!Support the Swamp Rabbits and get the best price on tickets for the 2020–21 season. Take part in team events and get some sweet benefits, starting at just $450 per seat, or just $12.50 per game.GEAR UP!Get ready for the 2020–21 season by heading to our online store, the Hop Shop! Stay safe with Swamp Rabbits masks, or show your excitement for new head coach Andrew Lord with our special edition Lord #71 t-shirt.