ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Preview: Swamp Rabbits Open Three-Game Weekend Set against Stingrays

Published on February 19, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


THE STORY COMING IN

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (24-19-6), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, continue a critical four-game series against the South Carolina Stingrays (27-17-6) this evening and also begin a three-game weekend set between the in-state rivals. Greenville enters tonight's contest ranked fourth in the South Division and eighth in the Eastern Conference, tied with Elmira at 54 points. The club is coming off a 4-2 victory against the Stingrays in North Charleston on Tuesday in which Darian Dziurzynski led the way with two points (1g, 1a), including the game-winning goal. Jordan Knackstedt also recorded multiple points (1g, 1a), while Allen York made 33 saves en route to his second straight win. Greenville goes for its third straight victory overall tonight with a 7 p.m. puck drop at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

THE MATCHUP

Tonight's game marks the seventh of 11 meetings between the Swamp Rabbits and Stingrays this season, and the third of five matchups on SANDLAPPER Securities Rink. Greenville leads the series 5-1-0 and has won two straight head-to-head contests entering tonight's duel. The Swamp Rabbits began the season 3-0-0 against the 'Rays and are 2-0-0 against South Carolina on home ice following a 5-3 victory on Oct. 23 and a 3-2 decision on Nov. 20. Bretton Cameron leads the Swamp Rabbits with six goals and nine points against the 'Rays this season, and has scored in two straight meetings. Greenville is 43-37-3 in the all-time series.  

VIEW FROM NORTH CHARLESTON

Led by head coach Spencer Carbery, the Stingrays are one of the hottest teams in the ECHL with 13 points in their last eight games (6-1-1). South Carolina is second in the South Division, and tied for fourth in the Eastern Conference with Adirondack, but is coming off a 4-2 loss to Greenville on Tuesday. Derek DeBlois and Austin Fyten each scored in the setback, while Brett Cameron notched an assist and extended his point streak to a team-best seven games (5g, 5a). Cameron is ranked sixth among all first-year players with 38 points and is tied for second among rookies with 16 goals. Between the pipes, both Vitek Vanecek and Mark Dekanich are among the league's goaltending leaders, as South Carolina ranks third in the league with 2.37 goals-against per game.

LEADING THE HERD

Swamp Rabbits' leading scorer Scott Fleming did not find the score sheet on Tuesday, snapping his streak of three straight games with multiple points. It was also just the second time in his last 10 contests he didn't earn a single tally. However, Fleming has still collected seven points (3g, 4a) in his last four appearances. He leads the club in points (37), assists (23), power-play goals (5), plus-minus (+14), shots (114) and multi-point games (7), and is also on a three-game point streak at home dating back to Jan. 19.

STREAKING SAPONARI

Vinny Saponari scored Greenville's second goal in Tuesday's win at South Carolina and has now registered a goal in three straight games, dating back to Feb. 6. The Powder Springs, Georgia native has also scored in two consecutive home games and is on a team-best four-game point streak overall. Saponari led Greenville last season with 51 assists and 69 points in 68 contests.

QUICK HITS

The Swamp Rabbits have not earned a regulation win at home since Dec. 20 (eight-game winless in regulation streak)... Justin DaSilva is tied for second among ECHL rookies with six major penalties... Greenville is tied for second in the league with 13 games being decided beyond regulation... The Swamp Rabbits have scored 54 goals in the third period, tied for fourth in the ECHL.

AFFILIATE REPORT

New York Rangers (33-19-6, 2nd Metropolitan): Next vs. Detroit - Sunday, 7 p.m. ET

Hartford Wolf Pack (26-23-2, 6th Atlantic): Next at Springfield - Tomorrow, 7 p.m. ET

SOUTH DIVISION

1. Florida Everblades (33-15-1) = 67 points in 49 games

2. South Carolina Stingrays (27-17-6) = 60 points in 50 games

3. Atlanta Gladiators (26-18-6) = 58 points in 50 games

4. Greenville Swamp Rabbits (24-19-6) = 54 points in 49 games

5. Orlando Solar Bears (23-20-6) = 52 points in 49 games

THE PLACE TO BE

The Bon Secours Wellness Arena is the place to be tonight as the Swamp Rabbits return home to face South Carolina. Two of the season's biggest promotions will be packed into one evening, featuring Heroes Night and Celebrate Greenville tonight at 7 p.m. The Swamp Rabbits will recognize and honor the brave men and women who serve, or have served, our community and country as first responders and soldiers. The Swamp Rabbits will also wear specialty uniforms during the game that will be auctioned online beginning at puck drop and running through Sunday, Feb. 21 at midnight. In addition, the Swamp Rabbits will recognize the leaders and businesses that make Greenville great. Tickets start at just $12 and the Greenville News Family Fun Pack is also available, including four (4) tickets, four (4) hot dogs, four (4) bags of chips, four (4) fountain drinks and two (2) foam fingers for just $60! Get yours now!

Taking Flight: Let your Swamp Rabbits experience soar to new heights with the all-new GSP Airport Fun Zone package for families. During every Saturday home game through the end of the regular season, including tomorrow night, fans are encouraged to purchase discounted adult tickets for just $10 in the GSP Airport Fun Zone (Section 119) and receive up to four (4) complementary kids tickets courtesy of the Greenville Spartanburg International Airport. These special tickets are limited and can be purchased online through SwampRabbits.com!

CDS Night: The Swamp Rabbits are excited to partner with the Center for Developmental Services tomorrow night, Feb. 20 for CDS Night presented by SANDLAPPER Securities, LLC. The team will sport specialty warm-up jerseys courtesy of SANDLAPPER Securities, which will be available in a silent auction on the concourse during the game to benefit CDS. In addition, fans are encouraged to purchase a blue or red level ticket HERE and $2 of every ticket sold will go back to CDS.

Check out the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from February 19, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central