ECHL: An Interview With Swamp Rabbits Brannon McManus

Greenville, SC—After their loss to Orlando at home on January 10, I got the chance to catch up with Swamp Rabbits forward Brannon McManus.

I asked McManus for his thoughts on the game and why Orlando took the win.

“I thought that they capitalized on all of our mistakes; I think it was, they got what we gave them. At times, we played our game, and at times, we didn’t, and that’s kind of what the story of the night was, just giving them easy goals, and Friday, I think we’ve just got to play a full 60.”

For the Rabbits’, they had the shots on goal, had a lot of control of the momentum during the periods, but couldn’t really capitalise on scoring, as the second half of the third period was dead for them. I asked what needs to change to the game going forward.

“I think whenever you’re chasing the game, it’s always tough — like it’s, you grip the stick a little bit too tight, kind of forced some plays – maybe they’re not there and holding on to the puck a little bit longer. It’s never easy when you’re chasing the game, and obviously, we’ve got to start fast. So when they get a two-goal lead and even with a three-goal lead, it makes it hard on us. But at times, we had spurts; it was good to see. It’s obviously tough to not come out with a win.”

Question: “This is your 2nd season with Greenville. What has that been like for you?”

“Obviously we got a special group, we have a lot of guys returning, and it’s fun to come to the rink every day; it’s fun to battle with these guys. And, like I said, last year, we kind of showed we had spurs so we can do some really cool things, and this year, we added some really good guys and kind of cut the little cord. Right now, it’s just building, building to become a championship team, and we know we have it in us, and obviously, the other goal is to win the Kelly Cup.”

“How does playing in the ECHL compare to playing in NCAA college?”

“It’s obviously a tougher season in regards to games, obviously you’re playing 30 games in college and you’re playing 72 in this league. It’s hard on the body. So it’s obviously just learning how to take care of that and managing your body and recovery – and all that.” He continued, “The guys are bigger and faster and older. Obviously, the second year in the league is a little bit easier, but it’s still a long year, and it’s kind of just learning how to manage it.”