GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Jacksonville Icemen snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory from the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Sunday night, fueled by two goals in the final minute at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The come-from-behind win, a crucial result in the tight race for an ECHL playoff spot, showcased the Icemen’s resilience and late-game execution. This ECHL score keeps Jacksonville firmly in the hunt as the regular season winds down.
Trailing 2-1 with under a minute remaining, the Icemen mounted a furious rally. Logan Cockerill tied the game with 52 seconds left, capitalizing on assists from Aidan Fulp and Will Hillman. Just 24 seconds later, Craig Martin completed the improbable turnaround, scoring the game-winner at 19:37 of the third period. The late surge stunned the home crowd and breathed new life into Jacksonville’s playoff aspirations.
Icemen Overcome Early Deficit
The game began as a tightly contested affair. Greenville drew first blood late in the second period, with Keaton Mastrodonato finding the back of the net with just 13 seconds remaining. The goal gave the Swamp Rabbits a 1-0 lead heading into the second intermission. Jacksonville responded early in the third, with David Jankowski leveling the score. However, Greenville regained the lead at 8:28 of the third period thanks to a goal from Josh Zary, setting the stage for the Icemen’s dramatic late-game heroics.
Topias Leinonen was instrumental in keeping the Icemen within striking distance, turning away 26 of the 28 shots he faced. His steady performance in net provided a solid foundation for the team’s offensive push. Leinonen’s save percentage for the night was .929, a key factor in the Icemen’s ability to stay competitive.
Playoff Picture Tightens
With the win, Jacksonville improved to 26-30-7-1 on the season, accumulating 60 points in the standings. However, the Icemen remain four points behind the Savannah Ghost Pirates, who currently hold the fourth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Ghost Pirates have 64 points and eight games remaining in the regular season, according to the official ECHL standings.
The Icemen’s late-game surge was also reflected in the shot totals for the final period. Jacksonville peppered Greenville goaltender with 20 shots in the third, compared to just seven for the Swamp Rabbits. This aggressive offensive pressure ultimately proved to be the difference, allowing the Icemen to capitalize on their opportunities in the dying minutes of the game.
Three Stars of the Game
The ECHL recognized the following players for their outstanding performances:
- First Star: Craig Martin (Jacksonville) – Game-winning goal
- Second Star: Logan Cockerill (Jacksonville) – Tying goal
- Third Star: Josh Zary (Greenville) – Goal
The Swamp Rabbits, now 24-29-7-1, will appear to rebound from the loss in their next game. The Icemen, meanwhile, will carry the momentum of this hard-fought victory back home.
Looking Ahead
Jacksonville returns to VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Thursday, April 2, to face the Florida Everblades at 7 p.m. ET. This matchup against a divisional rival will be another critical test for the Icemen as they continue their push for a playoff berth. Tickets and further information can be found on the Jacksonville Icemen official website.
The team’s performance down the stretch will be crucial and every point will be vital in securing a postseason spot. Fans can follow the Icemen’s progress and stay updated on the latest news and scores through the team’s website and social media channels.
What did you think of the Icemen’s dramatic comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this story with fellow hockey fans!
