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 Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Preview: Greenville Returns from All-Star Break with Two-Game Bout in Orlando

January 23, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


Date Time Opponent Follow

Fri, Jan. 23rd 7:30 p.m. ET @ Orlando Free Audio / ECHL.TV / Twitter

Sat, Jan. 24th

7:00 p.m. ET

@ Orlando

Free Audio / ECHL.TV / Twitter

THE STORY COMING IN: The Greenville Road Warriors (25-14-1), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, return from the All-Star break with four victories in the last five games and in second place in the East Division, just two points behind Florida. Last time out, forward Josh Nicholls netted his first professional hat trick, including the game-winner in overtime, to push Greenville past Toledo in a 4-3 final at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena last Saturday. Between the pipes, Jason Missiaen made 32 saves for his ninth win of the season and first of 2015. Despite the Road Warriors' recent success, the club has not earned two points in regulation since Jan. 2nd, a span of eight straight games (5-3-0). Greenville looks to end that draught tonight as well as pick up its fifth straight win on the road, and fifth straight against the Solar Bears this season.

WARRIORS VS. ORLANDO: Tonight's contest marks the seventh of 10 meetings between Greenville and Orlando this season (six in Florida, four in South Carolina). Through the first six games, the Road Warriors lead the series 4-2-0 and have won four straight games dating back to Nov. 8th. In their last battle, Greenville's offense exploded for five goals in the first period en route to a 7-2 victory on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink Dec. 5th. Forwards Kyle Jean and Trevor Parkes each scored twice that evening, while goaltender Jeff Malcolm made 42 saves in the win. Greenville is 11-10-1 all-time against Orlando.

VIEW FROM ORLANDO: The hosts of the 2015 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Visit Orlando, the Solar Bears return from the break on a two-game winning streak, but just 6-6-1 in their last 13 games, beginning with a 4-1 loss at Greenville Dec. 4th. In their last contest, forward Stefan Della Rovere scored twice and goaltender Garrett Sparks made 45 saves in a 6-4 win over the Tulsa Oilers at the Amway Center on Saturday. Orlando enters tonight's contest in sixth place in the East Division, four points behind South Carolina for fifth.

TRUE "ROAD" WARRIORS: Greenville returns to the road tonight to begin a four-game swing through the Sunshine State - two games in Orlando and two in Fort Myers. Overall, the Warriors are 11-8-1 on the road this season and have won four straight games away from the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, dating back to Dec. 16th. Greenville has also earned points in six straight games on the road (5-0-1), beginning with an 8-3 rout of Reading on Nov. 29th.

QUICK HITS: The Warriors' current eight-game streak without a win in regulation is the longest since the club moved to Greenville in 2010 (previously six games from April 8, 2014 to October 19, 2014)...Greenville leads the league with six wins when trailing after two periods this season (6-12-0)...Jeff Malcolm is fourth in the league with a .920 save percentage... Spencer Humphries leads all ECHL rookies with a +19 rating.

PENNIES, "NICHOLLS" AND DIMES : Second-year pro Josh Nicholls earned a team-high four points last week (3g, 1a) including the first hat trick of his career in Saturday's overtime win against Toledo. With that success, the 22-year old is now tied with Vinny Saponari for second on the team in goals (11) and tied with Kyle Jean for third on the club in points (24).

PARKES AND REC: In his first season with the Road Warriors, Trevor Parkes has registered at least one point in seven of his last nine games (4g, 6a) and sits second on the team with 29 points this season. In fact, Parkes scored a trio of goals last week including one tally in his 200th professional game last Friday against Indy.

SAPONARI LEADS BALANCED ATTACK: Vinny Saponari has also notched at least one point in seven of his last nine games (3g, 5a) and continues to pace the Road Warriors with 31 points. However, the 24-year old is just 33rd in the league's scoring race (tied with several players) due to Greenville's extremely balanced attack this season. Saponari, Trevor Parkes, Josh Nicholls, Kyle Jean, Michael St. Croix and Ryan Hegarty have all recorded at least 20 points during the 2014-15 campaign.

FREE-HOCKEY FAVORITES: Greenville went 2-0-0 in a pair of overtime games last week and is now a league-best 8-1 when going beyond regulation this season (3-0 in overtime, 5-1 in shootouts). The team's only loss came in a five-round shootout at South Carolina on Dec. 13th.

STREAKS - MILESTONES

- Jason Missiaen has won four straight games on the road, dating back to Dec. 16th

- Greenville has won four straight games on the road, dating back to Dec. 16th

- Bretton Cameron is one goal away from 50 professional goals

- Josh Nicholls is two games away from 100 professional games played

AFFILIATE REPORT

NHL: New York Rangers (26-13-4): Next at NYI - Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. ET

AHL: Hartford Wolf Pack (23-12-5): Next vs. SPR - Tonight, 7:00 p.m. ET

EAST DIVISION STANDINGS

Florida Everblades (25-6-3) = 53 points in 34 games

Greenville Road Warriors (25-14-1) = 51 points in 40 games

Reading Royals (23-13-2) = 48 points in 38 games

Elmira Jackals (19-15-5) = 43 points in 39 games

South Carolina Stingrays (17-14-7) = 41 points in 38 games

Orlando Solar Bears (17-14-3) = 37 points in 34 games

Gwinnett Gladiators (12-21-2) = 26 points in 35 games

FOLLOW : Keep up with the Road Warriors all season long and interact with other fans on the Official Road Warriors Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest and Instagram pages.

NEXT HOME GAME : The Road Warriors return to SANDLAPPER Securities Rink at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Thursday, Feb. 5th to battle the Orlando Solar Bears on "Thirsty Thursday!" Fans can enjoy $2 domestic beers, hot dogs, fountain drinks and pretzels at the concourse concession stands throughout the game! In addition, all fans are encouraged to take advantage of a special $5 ticket offer available at the Box Office only while supplies last. Finally, the Road Warriors have initiated a "Student Rush" offer for Thursday, featuring a blue level, center-ice ticket and a personal pan pizza for just $15! The offer is available only at the Box Office to students who show a valid ID after 5 p.m. on the day of the game.

For tickets or more information, please call a Road Warriors Account Executive at 864-674-PUCK or visit GreenvilleRoadWarriors.com/tickets-overview.html ! Go to ECHL.TV to listen for free or watch the games live.


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