SHELLEY: CHECKERS RECALL 3 SWAMP RABBITS
BY: Mark Shelley, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
GREENVILLE, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, ECHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, announced today that forwards Justin Nachbaur and Max Zimmer and goaltender Evan Fitzpatrick had been recalled to the Charlotte Checkers ahead of the American Hockey League Playoffs.
NACHBAUR
Nachbaur, 22, returns to the Checkers after completing his first ECHL season with the Swamp Rabbits, where he totaled 15 points (10g, 5a) in 24 regular season games. The Cross Lake, MB-native, appeared in all six of the Swamp Rabbits’ first-round playoff series against the Florida Everblades, posting an assist in the series. Nachbaur appeared in six games for the Checkers during the regular season.
ZIMMER
Zimmer, 24, exceeded his 34-point performance from the 2020-21 season in Greenville by posting 40 points (19g, 21a) in 48 games this season. Zimmer earned multiple chances in the AHL during the regular season, posting a pair of assists in 14 games with the Checkers. In addition, the second-year Swamp Rabbit recorded three assists in six postseason games this spring.
FITZPATRICK
Fitzpatrick, 24, was signed to an NHL contract by the Florida Panthers on January 14, 2022, and spent time as a member of the NHL team’s taxi squad before returning to Charlotte and Greenville. In one game for the Checkers, Fitzpatrick went 1-0, stopping 25 of 28 shots in a 5-3 win over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. In Greenville, Fitzpatrick went 9-11-2 with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage.
The trio will join the Checkers side that is currently waiting for their playoffs to begin, having earned a first-round bye through the regular season. The team’s opponent is yet to be determined.
Tickets for all Swamp Rabbits home games can be purchased at SwampRabbits.com or by calling 864.674.7825.
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. Additionally, Greenville is a member of the ECHL, Premier ‘AA’ Hockey.
