ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Swamp Rabbits Drop Stingrays 4-2 to Open Four-Game Series

Published on February 16, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


North Charleston, SC - In another tight battle between in-state rivals, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, earned a 4-2 victory against the South Carolina Stingrays (27-17-6) on Tuesday at the North Charleston Coliseum.

Darian Dziurzynski led the way with two points (1g, 1a), including the game-winning goal, while Jordan Knackstedt, Vinny Saponari and Bretton Cameron also scored for Greenville. Between the pipes, Allen York made 33 saves as the Swamp Rabbits improved to 5-1-0 against South Carolina this season.

Greenville's victory also snapped the Stingrays league-best seven-game point streak.

The Swamp Rabbits came out firing in the opening frame, scoring each of the first two goals and outshooting South Carolina 17-13 in the period. Knackstedt made it 1-0 with his 11th goal of the season at the 10:06 mark when he cleaned up a rebound from the doorstep and buried a shot past goaltender Mark Dekanich's glove. Rob Kwiet created the chance with a low shot from the blue line that caught traffic in front, but Dziurzynski corralled the loose puck and steered a shot on target that Dekanich kicked back to Knackstedt.

Saponari extended Greenville's lead just 1:15 later with a nifty, wraparound goal that was tucked just inside the left post. It was his fifth tally of the season from Troy Donnay and Ryan Rashid.

Derek DeBlois cut the Stingrays' deficit to one late in the first period with a power-play goal and his fifth of the season overall. Following a hooking minor against Scott Fleming, DeBlois camped out at the bottom of the left circle and smashed a one-timer past York on a feed from Stephan Vigier.

Dziurzynski responded at 4:53 of the second period when he capitalized on a broken rush into the Stingrays' zone. From the right wing, Knackstedt crossed the blue line and carried the puck to the circle where a shot was slowed by a stick in front, drawing Dekanich out of position. The puck proceeded to slowly slide towards the left post where Dziurzynski skated by and pushed it home for his 13th goal of the season.

The Stingrays remained resilient midway through the second period when Austin Fyten scored his fifth goal of the season. From the left corner, Patrick Gaul gathered the puck from Jared Staal and skated behind the cage before feeding a pass to Fyten in the circle, where he drilled a one-timer past York's blocker to make it 3-2.

With the minutes winding down, South Carolina's attempt to tie the game was hindered when Joey Leach was called for cross-checking at 17:54 of the third period. The Stingrays opted to pull Dekanich regardless, setting up an empty-net, power-play goal from Cameron at 19:50 for the 4-2 final.

Greenville finished the game 1-for-3 on the power play and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill. Dekanich made 22 saves in the Stingrays' loss, while South Carolina outshot Greenville 35-26.

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, 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!

Heroes Night - Celebrate Greenville: The Bon Secours Wellness Arena is the place to be this weekend 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 on Friday 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 following the contest 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!

Rabbits and Tigers in Greenville...Oh My: The Swamp Rabbits, in conjunction with the Clemson University men's basketball program, are offering a "2-for-$22" ticket special for the events on February 17 and 19 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The deal includes one (1) general admission ticket to the Clemson Tigers men's basketball game against Boston College on Wednesday as well as one (1) red level seat to the Swamp Rabbits contest against South Carolina on Friday for just $22. The offer is only available at the box office.

CDS Night: The Swamp Rabbits are excited to partner with the Center of Developmental Services on Saturday, 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 at SwampRabbits.com/promotional-schedule/ and $2 of every ticket sold will go back to CDS.

Check out the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Statistics

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