The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have added forward Ryan O’Reilly to their roster for the 2025-26 ECHL season.
O’Reilly, 24, is set to begin his first full season in Greenville after splitting last year between the NCAA and the ECHL. He brings a combination of speed, offensive upside, and playoff experience to the Swamp Rabbits’ lineup.
A Look at O’Reilly’s Career
O’Reilly started the 2024-25 season at Providence College, where he tallied six goals and three assists for nine points in 26 games. After completing his collegiate career, he signed with the Orlando Solar Bears, appearing in six regular-season games with one goal and skating in seven playoff games during Orlando’s Kelly Cup run.
Prior to his time at Providence, O’Reilly spent four seasons at Arizona State University, where he totaled 55 points (26G, 29A) in 127 NCAA games between 2020 and 2024. He also served as an alternate captain during his senior year with the Sun Devils.
Before his NCAA career, O’Reilly played in the USHL, where he was named to the 2018 USHL All-Rookie Second Team. That same year, he was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the 4th round (#98 overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft.
Player Perspective
“I’m excited to join the Swamp Rabbits for my first full professional season,” O’Reilly said. “I learned so much last year coming out of Providence and getting to the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs, but talking with Coach Costello about this opportunity and how he’s constructing this team, it was a no-brainer for me to come to Greenville.
I’m a hard-nosed player that plays 200 feet and makes sure to take care of my own end before going on offense. I have a scoring touch around the net front, will stick up for my teammates, but overall, I try to be a balanced power forward. We have incredibly high expectations with getting to the playoffs and winning, and because of that, coupled with everything I’ve heard from veterans about the city of Greenville and the culture of the organization, this is the most excited I’ve been about starting a season” (Greenville Swamp Rabbits, 2025, para. 4).
Coach’s Comments
Swamp Rabbits Head Coach and General Manager Chad Costello is enthusiastic about the addition.
“Ryan is a massive addition for us up front. He is a trustworthy 200-foot forward who is comfortable in all situations. A player with his size who can also skate is a huge asset in this league.
Ryan is very reliable on the defensive side of the puck, and, at the same time, his shot will be a threat to score a lot of goals this season. He is a hard-nosed player who doesn’t shy away from contact, and his effort every game will make him very well-liked both in the locker room and with the fans. Ryan was able to come right out of college and play in last year’s Kelly Cup Playoffs, and that experience will really help him hit the ground running in his first full pro season. After talking with Ryan, I recognized early that he is very motivated to have personal success as a player, and at the same time our team success is very important to him. I look forward to the opportunity in helping Ryan achieve so much this season in Greenville” (Greenville Swamp Rabbits, 2025, para. 5).
Looking Ahead
The Swamp Rabbits will open their 2025-26 season on Friday, October 17th, when they host the Utah Grizzlies at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. EDT.
Source: Greenville Swamp Rabbits. (2025, July). Ryan O’Reilly joins Swamp Rabbits for 2025-26 season. Greenville Swamp Rabbits. https://swamprabbits.com/news/2025/07/ryan-oreilly-joins-swamp-rabbits-for-2025-26-season
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