Greenville Swamp Rabbits To Honor Team History

 For the first time in 15 years, professional hockey will return to Johnstown, Pennsylvania on October 11th, 2025. For one weekend, ECHL team Greenville Swamp Rabbits, that are formerly known as the Johnstown Chiefs, will be taking the ice at the 1st Summit Arena.

The Swamp Rabbits, who are the 2024 South Division Champions of the ECHL and the affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings and Ontario Reign, played the last game as the Chiefs in Johnstown on April 3rd, 2010. The team then relocated to Greenville, South Carolina following that season. A small portion of training camp will be held at 1st Summit Arena the day prior to the game. The team will also be involved in community events, fans, students, and youth hockey players. 

Tim Vieira, President of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, per the Swamp Rabbits press release stated “We are grateful to have been invited to be in Johnstown for the diamond anniversary of 1st SUMMIT ARENA @ Cambria County War Memorial. This is a unique opportunity, and honor, to celebrate the history of our organization’s roots and share professional hockey with the passionate fans of an ‘Original Five’ ECHL market. We look forward to embracing the community during our time in Johnstown, representing the Upstate and ECHL in an old-fashioned rivalry showdown in one of hockey’s most historic American arenas.”

Current Swamp Rabbits Defenseman Dustin Geregach played the entirety of his junior career for the Johnstown Tomahawks from 2020 to 2022. Geregach stated in the Swamp Rabbits press release “I can’t wait for the opportunity to skate in Johnstown once again. It’s going to be so much fun for both my teammates and me. If there’s one thing people in Johnstown love, its hockey. I’m most excited to see so many people that were a part of my journey as a player. When I think back on my time with the Tomahawks, I remember my teammates the most: it was my first time being away from home, and for me, it was the tightest group of players I’ve ever played with. From my billet family to the staff, and the fans, I have nothing but great things to say about Johnstown and can’t wait to get back for what will be a great weekend for our team.”   Geregach played in 77 games for the Tomahawks and tallied six goals and 30 assists.

The Wheeling Nailers come into play as the arch rivals of Johnstown prior to their relocation. Per the Swamp Rabbits press release Nailers President & Governor Brian Komorowski stated "Johnstown was one of the most well-known rivalries for Wheeling, as the two teams had lots of memorable battles on the ice, We have a fantastic affiliation with the Penguins, which helps us build a talented and successful roster each season."

There will be a Diamond Anniversary Pro Classic Banquet with Chiefs Alumni, across the street from the arena at Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center. 

1st Summit Arena has made a slew of renovations over the course of the last 15 years including lighting, sound, ice making systems, player benches, dasher board, netting, wifi, and new locker rooms. The arena first opened in 1950, and now on the diamond anniversary, it has 4,000 seats among other features. 

- Samantha Wismer/Olde City Sports Network

- Photo Credit: Greenville Swamp Rabbits/Wheeling Nailers