TOSTI: Swamp Rabbits Skid in 6-2 Contest Versus Atlanta
BY: Brian Tosti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Duluth, Georgia – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (18-17-2-1), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, were placed on their heels early at the Infinite Energy Arena tonight after the Atlanta Gladiators (18-19-1-2) recorded two goals in the first six minutes. Greenville could not overcome the early deficit and ended the night on the wrong end of a 6-2 decision.
BOX SCORE
Forward Lindsay Sparks pushed his team to victory tonight, netting a hat-trick in the opening 11 minutes of the contest. Sparks potted goals at 3:05 and 5:51 in transition before Greenville could get on the board. Five minutes later, Sparks completed the effort to respond and take a 3-1 advantage. His third tally eventually became the game-winner for the Gladiators and Sparks also added an assist in the third period.
Greenville hopped on the board after Atlanta took the lead, looking to generate some offensive pressure. After some early saves by goaltender Sean Boner, the Swamp Rabbits broke through at 7:18. Evan Jasper collected the puck in the slot after Bretton Cameron sent a pass in his direction from the left wing circle. Jasper tucked in his 11th goal of the season to cut the deficit in half.
At the end of the first period, Sparks hat-trick had pushed the Gladiators to a 3-1 lead. Greenville countered with 19 shots in the second period. Boner stopped chances each time as Greenville continued to put pucks on net. The Gladiators were the next team to tally a goal and extended the advantage to 4-1 at the 11:10 mark of the period. Darby Llewellyn tallied his sixth of the season as the only second-period goal.
Atlanta added a pair of tallies in the third period as Taylor Stefishen connected on the power play and Taylor Doherty banked a pass off a defender to earn his fourth goal of the season. The Gladiators finished the game 1-for-2 on the power play and turned 39 shots on net in the contest. Greenville took 40 shots in the game and was held off the board on four power plays.
A late tally in the game by Greenville was added as a footnote to the contest in the final two minutes. Branden Troock notched his 16th goal of the season on a long shot that rang off the inside bar and fooled the officials. The goal judge confirmed the goal to end the game with a 6-2 score.
Goaltender Ty Rimmer faced a group of odd-man rushes in the game and finished the night with 33 saves but suffered his seventh loss of the season. Bonner took home his seventh win of the year after making 38 stops.
Greenville will host the Gladiators for three straight games next weekend, beginning on Friday night at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena at 7 p.m.
STICK IT TO CANCER NIGHT presented by Bon Secours | Friday, January 19 | 7:00 p.m.
Join the Swamp Rabbits and Bon Secours in the fight against cancer at the annual Stick it to Cancer Night. The Swamp Rabbits will wear specialty Stick it to Cancer jerseys that will be available in a live auction following the game. Before the game, donate $1 to take a swing at a special Smash Car, painted by the Swamp Rabbits official painter Joe Everson. Proceeds from the auction, ticket sales, chuck-a-carrot, and the smash car will benefit the fundraising efforts to the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance. For more information, visit SwampRabbits.com.
CONNECT THE FUTURE NIGHT presented by Ten at the Top | Saturday, January 20 | 7:00 p.m.
Ten at the Top has launched a mobility and connectivity initiative to “Connect the Future” and build an economically strong region now and in years down the road. Don’t forget to arrive early to take advantage of Hoppy Hour food and drink specials available on the patio and throughout the concourse from 5-7 p.m. Take advantage of the GSP Airport Fun Zone for up to four complimentary kids tickets.
MARVEL SUPER HERO™ NIGHT / STOMPER’S BIRTHDAY / POST GAME SKATE | Sunday, January 21 | 3:00 p.m.
It’s Marvel Super Hero™ Night and Stomper’s Birthday! Join the Swamp Rabbits, who will wear special Marvel Super Hero™ Jerseys and welcome all of Stomper’s friends to the birthday celebration. Ticket specials include the Bon Secours Family Fun Pack and Stomper’s Family Zone. Skate with your favorite players after the game for free when you bring your skates to the game ($3 skate rentals available).
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