The Greenville Swamp Rabbits are keeping a proven playmaker in the fold, re-signing Stepan Timofeyev for the 2025–26 season. The 30-year-old forward joined Greenville late last year and quickly made his presence felt, picking up five points in 10 games after being acquired from Norfolk. His ability to add instant offense and drive play stood out in a lineup that often searched for consistency.
Building on Recent Success
Timofeyev arrives at training camp with a strong track record of ECHL production. Before joining Greenville in 2024–25, he notched 39 points (14g–25a) in 45 games with the Norfolk Admirals. The year prior, he enjoyed a career-best stretch in Norfolk, finishing with 53 points in 62 games and adding four goals in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. His playmaking and special-teams versatility gave Norfolk an offensive spark, and Greenville saw flashes of the same impact after his late-season arrival.
Professional Journey
Timofeyev’s path through professional hockey highlights both persistence and steady growth. He first made his mark in the FHL and FPHL, skating with the Port Huron Prowlers and Elmira Enforcers. In Elmira, he twice topped the 60-point mark and was ultimately named FPHL Forward of the Year in 2020–21, showing he had the offensive tools to push for the next level.
From there, he moved into the SPHL, where he suited up for the Macon Mayhem, Knoxville Ice Bears, and Birmingham Bulls. Each stop added a layer to his game, but it was in Knoxville that he truly broke out, posting 49 points in 46 games and proving himself as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive threats. That performance opened the door to consistent ECHL opportunities.
Why His Return Matters
Greenville finished last in the South Division in 2024–25, highlighting the need for both depth and scoring. Timofeyev’s return won’t solve everything, but it provides the Swamp Rabbits with a reliable forward who already knows the pace of the division and can help lighten the offensive load. At 5’9” and 161 pounds, the St. Petersburg, Russia native leans on speed and vision rather than size, qualities that Greenville will look to capitalize on in 2025–26.
For a team eager to climb the standings, bringing back a proven scorer who has already shown chemistry in their lineup is a meaningful step forward.
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