ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Swamp Rabbits Roster Grows by Two

Published on March 29, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release


Greenville, SC - The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, today announced the club has signed defenseman Nicholas Kuqali to a Standard Players Contract (SPC). In addition, rookie forward Matt Johnson has been signed to an Amateur Tryout Contract (ATO).

A sixth-year pro, Kuqali has played 22 games in the ECHL this season between Fort Wayne, Evansville, Adirondack and Manchester, recording one goal and two assists. He also made 24 appearances with the Louisiana IceGators (Southern Professional Hockey League) where he notched six points (1g, 5a) and 16 penalty minutes.

A native of Dallas, Texas, Kuqali spent the majority of last season with Wheeling and registered four assists and 19 penalty minutes in 22 contests. He also played 14 games in the SPHL with Huntsville and Louisiana. Overall, the 30-year-old has collected 55 points (7g, 48a) in 275 professional games across four leagues (ECHL, SPHL, Central Hockey League, Federal Hockey League), including time with Orlando and South Carolina in 2012-13.

Prior to turning pro, the 6'3, 202-pound defenseman played four seasons at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire from 2006-10.        

Johnson, 24, completed a three-year career at Lake Superior State University in March, recording four assists and 23 penalty minutes in 27 games earlier this season. Overall, the Clinton Township, Michigan native notched 18 points (4g, 14a) and 93 penalty minutes in 93 contests. He played two seasons at Lake Superior State with Swamp Rabbits forward Andrew Dommett from 2013-15.

Prior to his college career, Johnson spent three seasons at the junior level with the Albert Lee Thunder and Amarillo Bulls of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). He set career highs in goals (21), assists (28), points (49) and plus-minus (+18) with Amarillo during the 2010-11 campaign and served as co-captain the following season. Overall, the 6'1, 204-pound forward earned 108 points (42g, 66a), 147 penalty minutes and a +22 rating in 159 NAHL games.

Thirsty Thursday: The Swamp Rabbits return to SANDLAPPER Securities Rink at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Thursday to face the Kalamazoo Wings. It's Thirsty Thursday presented by Greenville Pharmaceutical Research, featuring $2 domestic draft beers from 6-8 p.m. and $2 hot dogs, pretzels and soft drinks all night long. Limited $5 tickets are also available at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena box office while supplies last, or by clicking here or calling 864-674-PUCK when purchasing at least four (4). Doors open at 6 p.m. and the puck drops at 7 p.m. Fans can stream all of the live action via ECHL.TV or the free Mixlr audio feed.

T-Shirt Giveaway: The first 1,000 fans will receive a one-of-a-kind Swamp Rabbits t-shirt this Friday when Greenville battles Kalamazoo at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Greenville News Family Fun Pack is also available, featuring four (4) red level tickets, four (4) hot dogs, four (4) bags of chips, four (4) soft drinks and two (2) foam fingers for just $60! Reserve yours now!

Craft Beer Night is this Saturday when the Swamp Rabbits host the Kalamazoo Wings in their penultimate home game. All fans 21 and older are invited to sample delicious craft beers before and during the team's 7 p.m. contest against Kalamazoo. For just $35, the package includes:

- One (1) lower bowl, red level ticket

- Entry for one (1) to the Craft Beer Tasting in the beer garden from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

- $1 off craft beers purchased at select concession stands the duration of the game

- A souvenir gift and sampling glass

Already have a ticket to the game? Get into the craft beer tasting party and take advantage of all additional perks for just $24. Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase food during the event at the special sausage bar & pretzel stations! For tickets to the craft beer tasting party, call the Swamp Rabbits front office at 864-674-PUCK (7825) or click here.

Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits all season long and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team's official Facebook and Twitter pages.

Trolley On Over: Greenville's downtown trolley route has been extended to include a stop at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The expanded route will operate for all Swamp Rabbits' games taking place Thursdays through Sundays during normal trolley service hours.

Call 864-674-7825 or visit SwampRabbits.com for tickets. Bring a group of 15 or more out to a game and receive great discounts, merchandise offers and hospitality opportunities! Call a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive for more information! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear at the "Hop Shop" team store or visit the "Hop Shop" online at SwampRabbits.com/shop to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties!

Check out the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Statistics

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ECHL Stories from March 29, 2016


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