TOSTI: CHAD DUCHESNE RETURNS TO THE SWAMP RABBITS 

Chad Duchesne Returns to the Swamp Rabbits

Swamp Rabbits ink returning defenseman to ECHL contract for 2017-18

BY: Brian Tosti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, announced today that defenseman Chad Duchesne will be returning for the upcoming 2017-18 season.

Duchesne, 22, signed his first professional contract with the Swamp Rabbits prior to the 2016-17 season. Since making his first professional debut on November 12, 2016, the 5-foot-11 defenseman racked up 38 games played in his rookie campaign and made an appearance during the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

“Having Chad back on the roster this year is very exciting,” Head Coach Brian Gratz said. “He showed improvement and dedication during his first season and we are looking forward to seeing him continue to grow as a player and make an impact on our defense corps in Greenville this year.”

The blueliner scored his first professional goal on Dec. 2, 2016, during the seventh annual Teddy Bear Toss game. The rookie celebrated as the crowd threw over 2,800 stuffed animals onto the ice to benefit the Toys for Tots program. Duchesne’s goal propelled the team to a 5-4 victory over the South Carolina Stingrays and capped a five-game win streak.

“It was an easy decision to re-sign in Greenville this year,” said Duchesne. “In my first year (in professional hockey) I didn’t know what to expect as a younger guy. I really tried to soak it all in and watch the older players. Now going into my second year, it’s really exciting to be coming back with the opportunity to grow into a bigger role.”

Prior to his time with the Swamp Rabbits, Duchesne started his Ontario Hockey League career with the Kingston Frontenacs in 2014. During his time in the OHL, the Inverary, Ontario native scored eight goals and tallied 36 assists for 44 points. His 32 points (7G, 25A) in 2015-16 ranked third among Kingston defensemen. Before entering the OHL, he was the top-scoring defenseman for the Sioux Falls Stampede and ranked in the top-15 among all USHL defensemen in the 2013-14 season.

Duchesne and the Swamp Rabbits open the season against the Wheeling Nailers on Oct. 13, 2017. The puck will drop for the Swamp Rabbits’ Opening Weekend at 7 p.m. EST at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Hockey Demo Days: Join the Greenville Swamp Rabbits for their first two Hockey Demo Days. The events will be held Saturday, July 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, July 30 from noon to 4 p.m. There will be free hockey instruction in the Dew Street Hockey Zone, corn hole, music, food, giveaways and much more. Check SwampRabbits.com as the event draws closer for more details.

Christmas In July: It’s the most wonderful time of the year, to take advantage of some great deals at the Hop Shop! From 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on July 13th, 25th, and 27th don’t miss out on some big discounts. Prices cut up to 30% off on almost everything in the store! Offer only available in-store. Call Cory at the Hop Shop at (864) 250-4799 for more information.

Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages. Download the Swamp Rabbits app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for up to date information right in the palm of your hand.

Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864-674-PUCK (7825) for information on 2017-18 season tickets and to secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at SwampRabbits.com/shop to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties!

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