ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Strong Finish Gives Greenville 5-4 Win over Florida

January 29, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


Estero, FL: The Road Warriors tied the game three different times and pulled ahead in the third period to fend off the Florida Everblades in a 5-4 regulation win on Wednesday night.

The Everblades struck first with a goal by Austin Levi who scored his first professional goal with a wrist shot in the slot. Levi's goal was assisted by Philip-Michael Devos and Beau Schmitz. Greenville responded just 24 seconds later with a goal from Scott Arnold. Arnold's goal was assisted by Brad Cole and Sean Berkstresser. Devos gave the Everblades a 2-1 lead halfway through the period. Jordie Johnston tied the game again with his team leading 14th goal of the year towards the closing minutes. Everblades netminder, Riku Helenius, misplayed the puck which Marc-Olivier Vallerand stole and moved to Johnston to tie the game at two. With 58 seconds left, Kyle Bonis gave Florida their third lead of the game. Bonis received a pass from Schmitz in the low slot and beat Road Warriors' goaltender, Jason Missiaen, glove high. This goal was scored while the teams played four-on-four.

Florida pulled Helenius in favor of back-up goaltender and former Road Warrior, Connor Knapp, to being the second period. Andrew Himelson tied the game at three apiece with a slap shot that bested Knapp. The rookie scored his first ECHL goal with assists given to Michael St. Croix and Vallerand. The game moved into the third tied at a 3-3 score.

The Road Warriors had a power play that continued into the third period. 45 seconds into the stanza, Vallerand scored his 13th of the year with assists to St. Croix and Johnston. The Road Warriors padded their lead with another power play just moments later. Ryan Hegarty scored his second of the year with St. Croix and Vallerand assisting on the play. For Vallerand, that completed a four-point night. St. Croix finished the night with three assists. Florida would close in on the Road Warriors with a score in the final 48 seconds. Mike Merrifeld scored on a backhand shot to bring the game to a 5-4 Road Warriors' lead. Greenville fended off the Everblades final push to secure the win. Missiaen made 31 saves in the win.

The Road Warriors remain in Estero, Florida on Friday for a 7:30 faceoff against the Everblades. Fans can hear the game by clicking the listen live link on the Road Warriors homepage or watch via America One.

The Saturday Sampler Package is available now! The package includes two tickets to the Saturday, February 15th game vs. Florida where the first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a Dean Stork mini-bobblehead presented by 93.3 The Planet. It also includes two tickets to the Road Warriors Saturday, March 8th game vs. Orlando presented by BB&T and Piedmont Natural Gas. The first 1,000 kids 12 & under will receive a Road Warriors replica youth jersey presented by FOX Carolina and B93.7. In addition, fans also receive two flex tickets redeemable for any Warriors home game and a certificate for 15% off a purchase in the Warriors Team Store. Fans can choose to purchase the Saturday Sampler for as low as $57 in the Red Seating Level or sit in some of the best seats in the house in the Blue Seating Level for only $75. To purchase the Saturday Sampler, click here or call a Road Warriors' account executive at 864-674-PUCK (7825).

Check out the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Statistics



ECHL Stories from January 29, 2014


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