Special teams key Swamp Rabbits win

GREENVILLE, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits (13-9-2-0), proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, held on for a 2-1 win over the Reading Royals (14-9-1-1) off two first period shorthanded goals by Bretton Cameron. Greenville has won three straight games at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The Swamp Rabbits also halted the Royals eight-game winning streak with the victory.

The night became emotional before the drop of the puck as Swamp Rabbits Captain Bretton Cameron was honored for becoming the all-time games played leader in franchise history on Tuesday night. Cameron suited up for his 264th game with Greenville tonight to add to his total.

His night became even sweeter as he recorded a pair of shorthanded goals in the first period. The seventh-year pro’s scoring streak was extended to three games when he picked off a pass at the blue line and came down the ice on a breakaway. Bretton’s shot was just inside the left post to tie the game 13:34 into the night.

Four minutes later, the Swamp Rabbits found themselves on the penalty kill again. After stopping a Royals 5-on-3 power play, Cameron found himself wide open in the right circle. Brandon Alderson fed the puck across the ice to the Red Deer, AB native for his team leading 10th goal this season. Alderson missed the last 14 games and extended a personal three-game point streak in his return to the lineup.

Greenville’s third-year goaltender Mackenzie Skapski put away the Royals offense with 33 saves in his fourth consecutive win. He stopped a game high 19 shots in the third period and improved his personal record to 5-2-0-0.

The lone tally of the night for the Royals came five minutes into the game. Justin Crandall netted his fifth of the season recovering his own rebound and putting it in.

The Swamp Rabbits penalty kill was crucial in the game, ending the night a perfect 5-for-5. Greenville also managed to kill off a couple 5-on-3’s during the game to earn the victory.

Greenville improves their win streak at home and have now won four of the last five games. The Swamp Rabbits hold third place in the South Division with 28 points and trail the Royals in the Eastern Conference standings by two points. The teams will play Friday night  to finish a two-game series at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

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