TOSTI: SWAMP RABBITS BRING BACK EVAN JASPER
Swamp Rabbits Bring Back Evan Jasper
Rookie forward returns to Greenville to build on late season experience in the ECHL
BY: Brian Tosti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Greenville, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, announced the return of forward, Evan Jasper for the 2017-18 season. Jasper skated in 11 contests last season, making his professional hockey debut on March 10th in a 5-2 victory against the Florida Everblades.
Jasper, 25, joined Greenville for its final playoff push down the home stretch of the season and earned his first two pro points in the process. His first pro goal opened the scoring against the Atlanta Gladiators on March 30th and propelled the Swamp Rabbits to an eventual 4-1 victory at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
“Evan is an exciting player to have back this season. We’re expecting him to be a strong player who is not afraid to play a physical game,” said Head Coach Brian Gratz. “His speed also makes him a dangerous player that can chip in offensively and get back to our own zone quickly. Gaining some pro experience at the end of last season was a good step. That little taste will help him be even more successful headed into this year.”
The Whitby, Ontario native played four years of collegiate hockey at Sacred Heart University. With the Pioneers, Jasper earned 84 points (37G, 47A) in 148 games, never missing a NCAA contest in his career. The 5-foot-10 winger set a career-best in 2015-16, netting 12 goals and adding 21 assists as a junior. That same season, he was named an alternate captain and earned a promotion to team captain the following year.
“I’m excited to get back down to Greenville and try to help the team go further in playoffs. We really had something going last year, and I feel like we still have some unfinished business,” said Jasper. “It’s just a great city and environment to be around. I had an amazing time while I was down there. To be back alongside some of the returning players is something that I’m really looking forward to.”
Before his collegiate career, Jasper skated for the Cobourg Cougars in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), earning 145 points (79G, 66A) in 154 games. He becomes the seventh skater signed by the Swamp Rabbits this offseason (Nick Betz, Ricky DeRosa, Sean Flanagan, Chad Duchesne, Austin McKay, and Joe Houk)
The Swamp Rabbits begin the season against the Wheeling Nailers on Oct. 13, 2017. The puck will drop for the Swamp Rabbits’ Opening Weekend at 7 p.m. EST at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Hockey Demo Days: Join the Greenville Swamp Rabbits for their Hockey Demo Day. Head to Dicks Sporting Goods on Woodruff Road on Sunday, July 30 from noon to 4 p.m. for an afternoon of fun! There will be free hockey instruction in the Dew Street Hockey Zone, corn hole, music, food, giveaways and much more. Call Charlie with the Swamp Rabbits at (864) 250-4937 for more information.
Christmas In July: It’s the most wonderful time of the year, to take advantage of some great deals at the Hop Shop! From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 25 and 27 don’t miss out on some significant discounts. Prices cut up to 30% off on almost everything in the store! Offer only available in-store. Call Cory at the Hop Shop at (864) 250-4799 for more information.
Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages. Download the Swamp Rabbits app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for up to date information right in the palm of your hand.
Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864-674-PUCK (7825) for information on 2017-18 season tickets and to secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at SwampRabbits.com/shop to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties!
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