Swamp Rabbits Add Goaltender Eric Levine
Netminder enters fifth professional season after manning the crease with Indy Fuel in 2016-17.
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 goaltender Eric Levine has signed with the team for the upcoming season. Levine is the 15th player signed by the Swamp Rabbits as the team heads down the final stretch of the offseason toward Opening Weekend on October 13th.
Levine, 29, finished his fourth professional season in 2016-17 having spent the year with the Indy Fuel. The netminder played 29 games for the Fuel and made over 900 saves. Levine faced over 40 shots in 12 different outings last year and made 40+ saves in seven of those contests. He also made a career-best 52 saves in a 6-2 win over the Tulsa Oilers on Feb. 18.
“Eric is a big, hard-working goaltender who will give us some depth in net. He’s had some big games in his career and has proven he can play at this level,” said Swamp Rabbits Head Coach Brian Gratz. “We’re excited to have Eric join us and can’t wait to see him here in October.”
Levine has played one game in Greenville in his career. The Wheeling, Illinois native saw 41 shots in the contest and earned a 4-1 win for Indy in the outing. In four ECHL seasons, Levine has played for the Fuel, Colorado Eagles, Fort Wayne Komets, and Utah Grizzlies. The goaltender has also amassed 37 games in the SPHL with the Peoria Rivermen, Pensacola Ice Flyers, and Louisiana IceGators, in addition to five CHL contests with the Allen Americans.
The 6-foot-3 goalie has suited up for 58 ECHL games and made over 1,500 saves. His 19-29-2-1 career record includes four shutouts, 3.30 goals-against average and .902 save percentage. Levine enjoyed a career-best year in 2015-16 with the Colorado Eagles, with a 10-7-0-0 record, 2.30 goals against average, and .915 save percentage.
“There’s going to be competition this season to earn a position on this team. There is nothing else on my mind other than coming into camp and being the best goalie I can be. You’re going to get a hard-working guy, who is going to compete right from day one and do anything he can to help the team succeed,” said Levine. “Guys I know who played under Coach Gratz have had nothing but good things to say about him, the organization and the city. All of that made me really excited to be in Greenville, so it was a no-brainer for me.”
Before turning pro, Levine played four seasons for the Robert Morris University Colonials. In 72 games, he earned a 30-22-11 record, 2.69 goals against average, and .925 save percentage. Levine played in all but seven games during his senior season.
Levine joins the rest of the Swamp Rabbits offseason signings. The names include, forwards Branden Troock, Bretton Cameron, Nick Betz, Ricky DeRosa, Austin McKay, Evan Jasper, Carter Sandlak, Jack Nevins, Allan McPherson, Joe Basaraba, and Caleb Herbert. The team has also inked, as well as defensemen Sean Flanagan, Chad Duchesne, and Joe Houk.
OPENING WEEKEND: Greenville begins the season on Oct. 13, 2017, at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena against the Wheeling Nailers. Tickets are at a special price of just $10 for this game. Purchase tickets by clicking here. The puck drops for the Swamp Rabbits’ Opening Weekend at 7 p.m. Join the pregame Fan Fest at 5:30 p.m. for the Dew Street Hockey Zone, inflatables, concessions, music, and more! The Bon Secours Family Fun Pack is also available for this game and includes tickets, food, beverages and a souvenir for just $60! For more information, head to SwampRabbits.com.
NEW HOP SHOP INVENTORY: Head to the Hop Shop to check out the Swamp Rabbits new apparel and merchandise! The Hop Shop is open Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Hours are at SwampRabbits.com.
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