TOSTI: SWAMP RABBITS STOPPED IN TRACKS BY SEAN BONAR 

TOSTI: Swamp Rabbits Stopped in Tracks by Sean Bonar

Gladiators ride goaltender’s 36-save shutout to take the first game against Greenville this season.

BY: Brian Tosti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Greenville, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (17-14-2-1), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, had chances tonight against the Atlanta Gladiators (16-18-1-1) but were held up by goaltender Sean Bonar. The netminder recorded his first career shutout, making 36 saves and earning his sixth win of the season. The Swamp Rabbits were on the wrong side of the 3-0 decision, dropping their first game versus Atlanta since Apr. 8, 2017.

BOX SCORE
Greenville had solid opportunities throughout the contest tonight. Forwards Branden Troock, Derek Sutliffe, and Evan Jasper each had 1-on-1 opportunities against the fourth-year goaltender but were denied goals to put the Swamp Rabbits on the board. The Greenville defensive effort is not to be discounted in the game. Goaltender Brandon Halverson denied 34 shots in his third consecutive start and posted a strong effort in the crease.

After a scoreless first period, the game continued to include quick pace and physicality at both ends of the ice. Eventually, the teams would reach 4-on-4 play in the second and Greenville earned a pair of chances in the offensive zone. Bonar’s save transitioned onto the stick of Josh Atkinson who led Lindsay Sparks on a breakaway. A quick move to the forehand helped the forward usher a shot off the post and into the net at 13:02 of the second period.

Greenville countered with some good chances in both the second and third period. The Swamp Rabbits had both four power plays and four penalty kills without a goal scored on special teams. Trailing 1-0 in the third period, Greenville continued to push the pace and earned 13 shots on net. After a flurry of shots by the Swamp Rabbits, it was Derek Nesbitt who was able to score a goal. The winger collected the puck on the right wing and threw a shot into the net through a screen.

With less than three minutes left in the game, Greenville pulled Halverson from the net seeking a pair of tallies. Sparks would add his second of the game and sixth of the season on an empty net tally at 17:46 to ice the game.

The Swamp Rabbits still own the head-to-head series with a 3-1-0-0 record and will play four more times in the month of January. Greenville will have a chance to bounce back tomorrow afternoon as they drop the puck against the Norfolk Admirals. The 3 p.m. puck drop will be the first of six meetings between Greenville and Norfolk of the season.

NURSES APPRECIATION NIGHT | TOMORROW, January 7 | 3:00 p.m.
As a thank you on Nurse’s Appreciation Night, all nurses get $3 off orange level tickets when you show your medical ID at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena Box Office. After the game, join the team on the ice for a free post-game skate (skate rentals available for $3). Don’t forget about our Bon Secours Family Fun Packs offer to get four tickets, four meals and a Swamp Rabbits souvenir for just $60!

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