TRUST: RABBITS RECEIVE DUO FROM CRUNCH 

BY: Matt Trust, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have been assigned defenseman Jake Massie and forward Patrick Bajkov from the American Hockey League’s Syracuse Crunch. Massie and Bajkov are both on an NHL contract with the Florida Panthers.

Massie, 24, returns to Greenville after suiting for two games last season with the Swamp Rabbits and scoring his lone ECHL goal on Oct. 20, 2019, versus Atlanta. The St-Lazare, Quebec native, appeared in 29 games with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds last season and totaled five points (three goals, two assists).

“Jake has good speed and is a real pro doing everything he can to improve on a daily basis,” said Swamp Rabbits Head Coach and President of Hockey Operation Andrew Lord. “He played the majority of last season in Springfield along with a few games in Greenville, so it should be an easy transition.”

MASSIE HISTORY

Before his 2019-20 rookie season, Massie skated in three seasons at the University of Vermont and totaled 23 points (six goals, 17 assists) in 95 games. The blueliner produced 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 44 games with the USHL’s Omaha Lancers in 2015-16. Massie signed a two-year NHL Entry-Level Contract with Florida on July 8, 2019, after being initially selected by Carolina in the 6^th round, 156^th overall, in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Bajkov, 23, signed to a three-year NHL Entry-Level Contract with Florida on Mar. 9, 2018. Last season, the forward finished fourth on the Swamp Rabbits in points (44) and posted 20 goals across 64 games. Entering his third professional season, the Nanaimo, British Columbia native debuted with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds in 2018-19 and played 31 games with the Florida Everblades.

“Patrick produced last season in Greenville, scoring 20 goals. He has good stick skills and was effective on the PP last year,” said Lord.

Before turning pro, Bajkov compiled 342 games across five seasons with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips and produced 288 points (112 goals, 176 assists).

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits kickoff three games in as many days tonight at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The Swamp Rabbits battle the Orlando Solar Bears in Faith & Family Night at the arena. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. Ticket information is available online at swamprabbits.com.

#RABBITSRISING#

SINGLE GAME TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Rise With Us and join us at Bon Secours Wellness Arena for the return of professional hockey in the United States! Single Game Tickets are available to purchase today here.

GEAR UP!

Represent the Swamp Rabbits for the 2020–21 season by heading to our online store; the Hop Shopto purchase your Bits gear. On sale now!

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