ECHL Game Recap: Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs Atlanta Gladiators | 03/29/2025

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits overcame an early two-goal deficit to defeat the Atlanta Gladiators 7-4 at Gas South Arena. After a back-and-forth battle in the first two periods, Greenville exploded with four goals in the third to claim the victory. Despite a solid start for the Gladiators, the Swamp Rabbits’ relentless offensive attack and strong goaltending from Mattias Sholl secured them the win.

First Period

Atlanta came out strong, opening the scoring at 8:10. Alex Young netted his 10th goal of the season, finishing a setup from Carson Denomie.

GOAL (8:10): Alex Young (ATL) from Carson Denomie.

Just over two minutes later, the Gladiators struck again. Nick Wong tallied his first professional goal at 10:26, taking advantage of a feed from Jeremy Hanzel to extend Atlanta’s lead to 2-0.

GOAL (10:26): Nick Wong (ATL) from Jeremy Hanzel.

Greenville responded just 22 seconds later when Ryan O’Hara scored his first professional goal, redirecting the puck off a defender and past Ethan Haider. Jack Brackett and Conner Hutchison picked up assists on the play.

GOAL (10:48): Ryan O’Hara (GVL) from Jack Brackett, Conner Hutchison.

Atlanta maintained their lead, finishing the period up 2-1. The Gladiators outshot the Swamp Rabbits 13-11, while both teams skated with discipline, avoiding any penalties.

First Period Stats Summary

Shots: Greenville 17, Atlanta 13

Goals:

• Alex Young (Assisted by Carson Denomie) 8:10
• Nick Wong (Assisted by Jeremy Hanzel) 10:26
• Ryan O’Hara (Assisted by Jack Brackett, Conner Hutchison) 10:48

Penalties: None

Second Period

Atlanta wasted no time re-establishing their two-goal lead. Just 1:21 into the period, Jackson Pierson scored his 8th goal of the season with Alex Young providing the assist.

GOAL (1:21): Jackson Pierson (ATL) from Alex Young.

Greenville answered at 4:45 as Austin Saint tipped in a long-range shot from Haskins for his 11th goal of the season. Geregach added an assist on the play.

GOAL (4:45): Austin Saint (GVL) from Kyle Haskins, Dustin Geregach.

The Swamp Rabbits continued to apply pressure. Jack Brackett buried his third goal of the season at 10:40, when Brackett connected on a one-timer, scoring his third goal of the season with Geregach earning his second assist.

The physicality picked up as Zach Yoder was called for high-sticking at 10:58, putting Greenville on the power play. The Swamp Rabbits couldn’t convert, and Atlanta soon found themselves shorthanded again when Jeremy Hanzel was penalized for hooking at 12:08. However, the Gladiators’ penalty kill remained strong, keeping the game tied.

Greenville’s Jacob Modry took a tripping penalty at 18:21, giving Atlanta a late-period power play. The Swamp Rabbits killed it off, but just as the period came to a close, John Parker-Jones was called for interference at 19:12, giving Atlanta another opportunity to start the third period on the power play. Shots in the second were even, with Atlanta leading 14-11.

Second Period Stat Summary

Shots: Greenville 11, Atlanta 14

Goals:

• Jackson Pierson (Assisted by Alex Young) 1:21
• Austin Saint (Assisted by Kyle Haskins, Dustin Geregach) 4:45
• Jack Brackett (Assisted by Dustin Geregach) 10:40

Penalties:

• Zach Yoder (High-sticking) 10:58
• Jeremy Hanzel (Hooking) 12:08
• Jacob Modry (Tripping) 18:21
• John Parker-Jones (Interference) 19:12

Third Period

Greenville took control in the final frame, quickly swinging the momentum in their favor. At 2:20, Brent Pedersen gave the Swamp Rabbits their first lead of the night. Austin Saint and Kyle Haskins assisted on Pedersen’s 14th goal of the season, capping off a clean offensive sequence. Just 50 seconds later, Ben Poisson extended Greenville’s lead with his third goal of the year, with Carter Savoie and Dawson Tritt providing assists.

Stepan Timofeyev was called for interference at 4:24, giving Atlanta a chance to regain ground, but Greenville’s penalty kill stood tall. The Swamp Rabbits’ defense, anchored by Geregach, limited Atlanta’s chances.

Greenville added another insurance goal at 10:42 when Geregach scored his first professional goal, showcasing his two-way abilities. Pedersen earned his second assist of the night on the play.

GOAL (10:42): Dustin Geregach (GVL) from Brent Pedersen.

Atlanta fought back, finding the net once more at 14:58. Mickey Burns tallied his first professional goal, assisted by Randy Hernández.

GOAL (14:58): Mickey Burns (ATL) from Randy Hernández.

However, Greenville quickly responded to ensure their victory. At 16:10, Haskins sealed the win with his second goal of the season off a backdoor pass, receiving another strong assist from Pedersen and Saint. The period’s tension boiled over at 17:50 when Timofeyev and Young were both assessed double minors for roughing after a heated exchange near the net.

Greenville outshot Atlanta 13-10 in the third period and cruised to a commanding 7-4 victory.

Third Period Stat Summary

Shots: Greenville 13, Atlanta 10

Goals:

• Brent Pedersen (Assisted by Austin Saint, Kyle Haskins) 2:20
• Ben Poisson (Assisted by Carter Savoie, Dawson Tritt) 3:10
• Dustin Geregach (Assisted by Brent Pedersen) 10:42
• Mickey Burns (Assisted by Randy Hernández) 14:58
• Kyle Haskins (Assisted by Brent Pedersen, Austin Saint) 16:10

Penalties:

• Stepan Timofeyev (Interference) 4:24
• Stepan Timofeyev (Roughing – Double Minor) 17:50
• Alex Young (Roughing – Double Minor) 17:50

Goaltending

Special Teams

Three Stars of the Game

1. Austin Saint (GVL) – One Goal, two Assists
2. Mattias Sholl (GVL) – 33 Saves
3. Nick Wong (ATL) – One Goal

Notable Performances

Kyle Haskins (GVL) recorded one goal and two assists, contributing at both ends of the ice. Dustin Geregach (GVL) notched his first professional goal and added two assists, leading the Swamp Rabbits’ defensive efforts. Brent Pedersen (GVL) tallied one goal and two assists, making an impact during the third-period surge. Mattias Sholl (GVL) won his professional debut, making 33 saves on 37 shots. Ryan O’Hara (GVL) scored his first professional goal, while Dawson Tritt (GVL) earned his first pro point with an assist. For Atlanta, Nick Wong (ATL) and Mickey Burns (ATL) both scored their first professional goals, with Alex Young (ATL) contributing a goal and an assist.

Greenville’s explosive third-period performance secured the win. Atlanta, despite a strong start, couldn’t hold off the Swamp Rabbits’ relentless offensive push. With standout performances from Saint, Pedersen, and Geregach, Greenville showcased their scoring depth and resilience.