TOSTI: SWAMP RABBITS SIGN ALLAN MCPHERSON FOR 2017-18 SEASON
Swamp Rabbits Sign Allan McPherson for
2017-18 Season
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 today that forward Allan McPherson would join the 2017-18 roster. For the centerman, this will be his second season with the Swamp Rabbits and fourth year in the ECHL.
McPherson played just four games with the Swamp Rabbits during the 2016-17 season before earning his first AHL call-up of the year. After a brief return to Greenville in December, the 26-year-old earned yet another call-up, joining the Hartford Wolf Pack for the second longest tenure of his career. In 28 games with the Wolf Pack, McPherson tallied four points (1G, 3A) including an assist in Hartford’s 5-4 win over Syracuse on Dec. 21, 2016. The 5-foot-10 forward played in more AHL games than any other Greenville skater, suiting up for 29 games and two playoff contests between the Wolf Pack, Texas Stars, and Stockton Heat.
“Allan is an experienced player who is going to be a big piece of our hockey team this year,” said head coach Brian Gratz. “Allan was a key part of our success in the second half of the season and into the playoffs. His skill and speed have produced results throughout his career and were very excited to have him returning to Greenville.”
Along with receiving the most AHL call-ups of any player on the Swamp Rabbits’ roster last season, McPherson experienced major success during his time in the ECHL. The 180-pound-forward racked up a total of 28 points (9G, 19A) during 30 contests, averaging nearly a point per game. On Mar. 7, 2017, McPherson tied a franchise record by producing four points (4A) in one game.
“I’m happy to be returning to Greenville. The city is great, and the team showed a lot of promise last season,” said McPherson. “I’m really looking forward to getting the season going in October.”
The Kinburn, Ontario native also brought his success into the Swamp Rabbits’ 2017 playoff run. In a six-game series against South Carolina, McPherson racked up a total of eight points (2G, 6A). The third year pro’s surge helped boost the Swamp Rabbits to a 6-3 victory in Game 1 of the series.
McPherson attended Clarkson University where he earned the “Bill Harrison Most Valuable Player” award in both his junior and senior season. During his collegiate career, Allan amassed 103 points with 41 goals and 62 assists. He led the team in points during his senior year and set career highs in goals (13) and assists (19) for a total of 32 points.
After graduating from Clarkson University in 2014, McPherson played five games for the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat. From there, the forward split time between the Rochester Americans and Elmira Jackals over the course of two years. McPherson tallied 27 goals and added 45 assists with the Jackals.
McPherson and the Swamp Rabbits open 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.
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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