TOSTI: Forward Derek Sutliffe Added to Swamp Rabbits Roster
Greenville signs rookie forward who is averaging more than a point-per-game with Mississippi
BY: Brian Tosti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Greenville, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (12-7-2-0), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, announced that the team has signed forward Derek Sutliffe to a standard player contract ahead of tonight’s 7:05 p.m. game against the South Carolina Stingrays. Sutliffe attended training camp on a try-out contract with Greenville prior to the start of the 2017-18 season.
Sutliffe, 25, comes to Greenville from the Mississippi RiverKings of the SPHL. The rookie has notched a team-leading 14 points (7G, 7A) in 13 games with the RiverKings and has tallied nine points (4G, 5A) in the last six games. The 6-foot-1 winger also skated in both preseason games for the Swamp Rabbits against Atlanta and South Carolina. Sutliffe ended the 2016-17 campaign in Mississippi, scoring three goals and adding seven assists in his first 11 pro games. He then skated in three additional playoff games and recorded an assist.
The Las Vegas, Nevada native played NCAA Division-III collegiate hockey before turning pro. In four seasons with the College of St. Scholastica, Sutliffe recorded 78 points (35G, 43A) in 111 games. For three straight seasons from 2014-2017, he reached 21 points and was a top-four scorer for the Saints from sophomore to senior year. In his second to last game at the Minnesota based college, Sutliffe recorded his first career hat trick. His three-goal night helped his alma mater to a 3-1 victory over Northland in the first round of the NCHA Tournament.
Before joining the collegiate ranks, Sutliffe played two seasons for the Langley Rivermen in the BCHL. In 112 games, he potted 30 goals and added 37 assists, ranking fifth on the team in scoring both seasons. During the 2011-12 season, Sutliffe served as the team’s alternate captain.
The Swamp Rabbits and their newest forward head to the North Charleston Coliseum tonight to take on the South Carolina Stingrays. The puck will drop at 7:05 p.m. as Sutliffe is expected to make his ECHL debut.
THIRSTY THURSDAY | Thursday, December 7 | 7 p.m.
We are throwing ticket prices back for Thirsty Thursday presented by Harbor Inn. Grab two tickets for $20 and enjoy our Hoppy Hour specials including $3 domestic beer from 5-8 p.m.
WINTER WONDERLAND PACKAGE
The Swamp Rabbits are offering a Winter Wonderland experience! Get your four tickets for the team’s Dec. 23 game, four passes to Ice on Main, and a Dave and Buster’s gaming package, a $140 value for only $65! The package is ONLY available for purchase through the Swamp Rabbits office at (864) 674-PUCK or online at SwampRabbits.com.
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