Quick Recap of Last Season:
The Swamp Rabbits were able to make the Kelly Cup Playoffs last year with a record of 40-23-8, finishing third in the South Divison. Greenville opened the post-season run against the Jacksonville Icemen. Unfortunately for Greenville, the post-season run did not last long, losing the opening series to the Icemen in six games. Although the season didn’t end, how the Swamp Rabbits would have wanted it to end. There were some notable individual accomplishments to be proud of. Alex Ierullo, who is headed overseas, was named to the ECHL All-Rookie team along with being selected for the All-ECHL second team. Joining Ierullo on the All-ECHL second team was Max Martin, who was recently assigned to Greenville.
Looking Forward:
The Swamp Rabbits will open the regular season, playing host to the Norfolk Admirals on October 21, 2023. This year’s team has a healthy mix of returning players along with new players that fans will have the opportunity to get to know over the season. Greenville will look to make it a fourth consecutive trip to the Kelly Cup Playoffs, with this year looking to make it out of the first round after being bounced early in the previous two seasons. Greenville returns their second, third, and fifth leading point scorers from the previous season.
Max Martin Photo by: Andrew Fielder (Field Pass Hockey)
Being Max Martin, Tanner Eberle, and Brett Kemp. Ryan Bednard was also recently assigned to Greenville after playing in 24 regular season games last season, along with playing in all six of the playoff games.
Some of the newcomers that fans will want to keep an eye on starting out the year it has to start with Jake Smith last year, Smith spent the majority of his season with the Florida Everblades, playing in 45 games for the team while contributing 32 total points, with 18 of those being put in the back of the net. The year prior, though, ended up being a career year for Smith when he had career highs in points and goals. 50 total points and 25 goals scored while playing for the Iowa Heartlanders. The Swamp Rabbits will definitely hope that Smith can return to his 2021-2022 form.
Next on the list is J.D. Greenway, currently listed as a forward per the training camp roster, although he seems to play more defense. Greenway is listed at 6’6 212 lbs, making him the tallest player on the roster to start the year. Last year, Greenway spent time with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League. Having two points last year, however, when playing in full seasons, Greenway has shown to be a consistent point-getter.
Mark Louis Photo by: James Assinder
Mark Louis is another name for fans to keep an eye on going into the year. Louis is the oldest player on the roster at 36. Over the last six seasons, Louis was overseas playing for the Cardiff Devils of the Elite Ice Hockey League. One notable thing to know is Louis actually played for coach Lord in 2018, where the pair won an EIHL championship. Louis is a big-bodied veteran defenseman who should be a good leader in the locker room.
Finally, a training camp invite Matthew Caldwell, an 18-year-old goaltender who is a native of Greer, South Carolina. Although hard to imagine, Caldwell will make the team out of camp, with Luke Richardson returning after his short stint with the team to end the year. Along with Ryan Bednard being assigned to Greenville to start the year. Caldwell will be a name to keep an eye on in case the Swamp Rabbits are in need of a goalie later on in the year.
Training Camp Roster:
Forwards
7 Tanner Eberle
9 Brett Kemp
10 Jordan Timmons
16 Ethan Somoza
17 Josh McKechney
18 Carter Souch
19 Colton Young
24 Ben Freeman
27 Anthony Beauchamp
39 Brannon McManus
Defenseman
3 Joe Leahy
4 LA Grissom
8 Mark Louis
21 Bobby Russell
22 Ethan Cap
29 Max Martin
Goaltenders
1 Matthew Caldwell
31 Luke Richardson
45 Ryan Bednard
Notable Returners:
Some names that fans will be glad to see back with Greenville to start the new season include. Tanner Eberle, Brett Kemp, Ben Freeman, Anthony Beauchamp, Joe Leahy, LA Grissom, Bobby Russell, Ethan Cap, Max Martin, Ryan Bednard.
Newcomers:
Jordan Timmons (Reading Royals/Kansas City Mavericks), J.D. Greenway (Providence Bruins AHL), Jake Smith (Florida Everblades/Norfolk Admirals/Iowa Heartlanders), Nick Prkusic (Did Not Play), Mark Louis (Cardiff Devils EIHL), Max Coyle (Indy Fuel), Matthew Caldwell (Amateur Tryout).
Jake Smith Photo by: Andrew Fielder (Field Pass Hockey)
Notable Upcoming Dates:
October 8, 2023, Training camp begins.
October 15, 2023, the Swamp Rabbits will host the Atlanta Gladiators for a pre-season game. Scheduled puck drop is for 3:00.
October 21, 2023, the Swamp Rabbits will open the regular season taking on the Norfolk Admirals. Scheduled puck drop is 7:05.
October 27, 2023, will be the first promo night for the upcoming season. First Responders Night. Hosting the Savannah Ghost Pirates at 7:05.
November 4, 2023, the first meeting between the Swamp Rabbits and the Jacksonville Icemen. Who ended the Swamp Rabbits season last year.
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