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ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Swamp Rabbits Downed by Solar Bears

March 31, 2018 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


Orlando, FL -The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (23-37-7-1), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, were stymied by the Orlando Solar Bears (33-28-6-3) tonight in a 5-0 finish that ended a three-game road trip through Florida. Orlando took the season series with the win, earning a 5-3-1-0 record in nine games against Greenville this season.

Greenville trailed first in the game, dropping down 1-0 at the end of the first period. The Solar Bears fired 22 shots on net but only a power play goal beat Chris Nell in goal. After Evan Jasper was knocked down at center ice, Joe Perry stepped over the offensive line with the puck on the right wing. The leading goal scorer in Solar Bears history let a shot fly toward the crease and just snuck the puck into the net. His 18th of the season put Greenville behind 6:48 into the game as the Solar Bears ramped up the offense for the remaining 13 minutes of the period.

In the second period, the Swamp Rabbits would step up play, earning chances on net and out shooting the Solar Bears 14-9. Cal Heeter ended the second frame with a perfect 26 saves including a 3-on-1 chances for Greenville, which came up empty off the stick of Spencer Dorowicz.

Despite the improved offense, the Solar Bears were the only team to add a goal in the middle period. Chopping at the puck on the right side of the net to post his 18th goal of the season. After the puck bounced away from the Swamp Rabbits in front of the net, the winger cut in on the rolling chance to take the 2-0 advantage at 6:36 of the second period.

The Swamp Rabbits could not break through Heeter who eventually ended the game with a 36 save shutout. However, as Greenville began to push the pace of play, the Solar Bears countered and earned three goals in transition plays. Hunter Fejes net the first, cleaning up a deflected pass that sat next to the right post. Seven minutes later Martin Dzierkals connected on his 15th goal of the season followed by Chris LeBlanc firing his 10th of the year on an unassisted play at 16:56.

Greenville ended the game 0-for-3 on the power play while Orlando connected on one of their two chances on the man advantage. Nell again upped his career best with 41 saves to hold Greenville in the contest but ultimately took the loss.

The Swamp Rabbits return to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Thursday night to face off with the South Carolina Stingrays. Greenville will also face the Stingrays on Friday night for Fan Appreciation Night to end the teams games at home for the regular season.

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