TRUST: (FRI) THREE SWAMP RABBITS RECORD FIRST PRO GOAL IN HOME OPENER 

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings

GREENVILLE, S.C. –  The Greenville Swamp Rabbits led in the second period but yielded three unanswered tallies in the third frame to drop a 6-3 decision to the Florida Everblades on Friday night. Both teams are set to rematch tomorrow night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM.

Special teams dominated the storyline for the Everblades, as Florida scored three times on the power play and once shorthanded. Patrick Harper opened the scoring at 4:51 with a goal on the man-advantage to provide Florida a 1-0 lead. Shots on goal after 20 minutes were 11-7 Greenville.

Next period, the Swamp Rabbits turned the tables on the Everblades and snatched a 2-1 lead. Karch Bachman scored his first career pro goal at 2:27 after being Florida goaltender Cam Johnson five-hole at 2:27. At 9:21, Greg Meireles scored in his professional debut at 9:21. Cameron Hebig spoiled Greenville’s lead and sent the game tied at 2-2 into the dressing room. On the power play at 17:52, Hebig launched a one-timer past Bits goaltender Ryan Bednard.

Florida scored three times in the third period with goals by Cole Smith at 4:43, Michael Huntebrinker at 8:01, and Tanner Jeannot at 9:18. Nick Poehling scored his first pro goal at 16:14 to inch the Swamp Rabbits closer, but Patrick Harper hit the empty net to round out at 6-3 final.

Tomorrow night’s rematch at Bon Secours Wellness Arena features a pregame blood drive courtesy of the Blood Connection from 2:30-6:30 PM. Fans who donate blood will receive vouchers redeemable for two free tickets.

Ticket information is available online at swamprabbits.com

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ABOUT US
Acquired by Spire Sports + Entertainment (SS+E) in 2020, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team has been providing family-friendly, live entertainment at Bon Secours Wellness Arena since 2010. Formerly the Greenville Road Warriors, the Swamp Rabbits are the highest level professional minor league franchise in South Carolina. The Swamp Rabbits are proud affiliates of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. Greenville is a member of the ECHL, Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League. Since the conclusion of the 2019-20 NHL Season, 678 former ECHL players have debuted in the NHL. Nine former Greenville Road Warriors/Swamp Rabbits have later made their NHL debut.