JOSH MCKECHNEY NAMED RECIPIENT OF ECHL BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

SHREWSBURY, N.J. – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, announced in conjunction with the ECHL that Swamp Rabbits forward Josh McKechney has been named a recipient of a scholarship through Bellevue University, the official higher education partner of the league.

With this scholarship, McKechney plans to continue his pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, as he is currently enrolled with Bellevue University.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Josh in receiving this well-deserved opportunity,” said Andrew Lord, Swamp Rabbits Head Coach and General Manager. “What most people don’t realize is as good a player as Josh is on the ice, he’s an even better person off it, and an intelligent young man. Having earned an MBA myself, I understand how important an opportunity this is for Josh when his playing career is finished. I’d like to thank the ECHL and Bellevue University for selecting him. He is an outstanding representative of our organization, and I can only imagine where this takes him down the road.”

McKechney is one of five recipients in the third class of ECHL scholarships, joining Idaho Steelheads forward Colton Kehler (Undergraduate Degree), Kalamazoo Wings Assistant Coach Kohl Schultz (Graduate Degree), and ECHL referees Evan Reddick (Graduate Degree) and Trevor Wohlford (Undergraduate Degree).

“This is a huge honor! I’m very thankful and excited for this opportunity,” McKechney said of his Bellevue University scholarship. “I want to thank Todd Mackin, Coach Lord, and the Swamp Rabbits for supporting me in this, and helping me attain these goals I have. I’m looking forward to completing my education, and am grateful for the ECHL in providing me with this opportunity.”

McKechney graduated from Colgate University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics.

“The opportunity to award our players, coaches, officials and front office personnel a Scholarship opportunity through Bellevue University to further their academic career is a key component of development in our League,” said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “The ECHL/Bellevue partnership offers a unique benefit to our personnel to allow them to grow their careers concurrently both on and off the ice through their versatile online programs and prepare for their future."

“Working with the ECHL is powerful. The individual aspirations of these players and sports professionals are being met on the ice and in the classroom,” said Bellevue University President Mary Hawkins. “We look forward to this ECHL class joining our diverse community of learners and furthering their education with Bellevue University.”

The Swamp Rabbits return home for another “three-in-three”, with the first two games to be played on home ice. Puck drop for the weekend opener on Friday, February 16^th, featuring “Outdoors Night” presented by AB Tree, is slated for 7:05 p.m. EST from Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Saturday, February 17^th, is “Star Wars Night” presented by Champion Comfort Experts against the Atlanta Gladiators, featuring a lightsaber giveaway at the doors with a 7:05 p.m. EST start. The Swamp Rabbits conclude the weekend on Sunday, February 18^th, from Gas South Arena for a 3:00 p.m. EST matinee showdown against Atlanta.

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About the Greenville Swamp Rabbits …
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 the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's LA Kings and the AHL's Ontario Reign. Greenville is a member of the ECHL, Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League.

About the ECHL…

Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 28 teams in 20 states and two Canadian provinces for its 36th season in 2023-24. There have been 745 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including five who have made their NHL debuts in the 2023-24 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 28 of the 32 NHL teams in 2023-24, marking the 27th consecutive season that the league has affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com.

About Bellevue University…

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with over 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everyone online with more than 80 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).