GAME PREVIEW (4/16/2021): SWAMP RABBITS at EVERBLADES, 7:30 PM

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits return to action tonight and battle the ECHL-leading Florida Everblades for the seventh time in 2020-21. The Rabbits look to bounce back after suffering a 4-1 defeat on Wednesday night at Hertz Arena.   

Greenville Swamp Rabbits (21-15-9-3) at Florida Everblades (33-14-0-2)

April 16, 2021 | 7:30 PM | Game #49 | Hertz Arena

Referees: Nolan Bloyer (31)

Linesmen: Brady Fagan (89), Billy Gubelman (77)

ECHL Standings

Broadcast Information: (Pre-game 7:15 p.m.)

WATCH LIVE: https://www.flohockey.tv/

LISTEN LIVE: https://mixlr.com/swamp-rabbits

Voice of the Swamp Rabbits, Matt Trust on the call

LAST TIME OUT:

On Wednesday night, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits dropped the first of a three-game set against the Florida Everblades, 4-1, behind a three-goal second period at Hertz Arena. Joe Pendenza started and finished the Everblades scoring at 13:27 of the first period, followed by a shorthanded goal at 18:48 in the middle stanza. Also within a three-goal second period, Myles Powell scored at 5:33 and Alex Kile scored in his fourth consecutive game at 17:47. Liam Pecararo tallied for the Bits at 15:14 of the third period to break Blades’ goaltender Jake Hildebrand’s bid for a shutout.

BARNABY IS ON THE BOARD:

Rookie forward Matthew Barnaby registered his first ECHL point in his third career game on Wednesday night. Along the right wing in neutral ice, Barnaby feathered a perfect pass across to Liam Pecararo who snapped home his 10th goal of the 2020-21 campaign. Barnaby signed with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on April 10 after posting 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 23 games with the SPHL’s Huntsville Havoc.  

THE NEWEST NEWCOMER:

Prior to Wednesday’s game, the Swamp Rabbits and defenseman Kevin McKernan agreed to a Standard Player Contract. McKernan appeared in 26 games and posted nine points (one goal, eight assists) with the Jacksonville Icemen this season. Previously, the 26-year-old rearguard totaled 20 points (three goals, 17 assists) in 56 appearances with the Kansas City Mavericks in 2019-20. Prior to turning pro, McKernan began a four-year ECAC collegiate stint with Quinnipiac University where he was named to the ECAC All -Academic Team on three occasions (2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17).

BITS BULLETS:

The Rabbits’ 19 overtime games leads the ECHL…Greenville possesses an .826 point-percentage when scoring the game’s first goal, second-highest in the ECHL…When leading after 20 minutes, the Bits are 10-0-2-1…Ryan Bednard is tied for second-best in wins among ECHL goaltenders (16), is ranked first in minutes played (1,711) and first in shutouts (3). Only Florida’s Jake Hildebrand has more wins than Bednard (17).

#RABBITSRISING#

SINGLE GAME TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Rise With Us and join us at Bon Secours Wellness Arena for the return of professional hockey in the United States! Single Game Tickets are available to purchase today here.

GEAR UP!

Head to our online store, the Hop Shop to purchase your brand new jerseys. On sale now!

ABOUT US

Acquired by Spire Sports + Entertainment (SS+E) in 2020, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team have been providing family friendly, live entertainment at Bon Secours Wellness Arena since 2010. Formerly the Greenville Road Warriors, the Swamp Rabbits are the highest level professional minor league franchise in South Carolina. The Swamp Rabbits are proud affiliates of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. Greenville is a member of the ECHL, Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League. Since the conclusion of the 2019-20 NHL Season, 678 former ECHL players have debuted in the NHL. Nine former Greenville Road Warriors/Swamp Rabbits have later made their NHL debut