Swamp Rabbits Goalie Earns Shutout in Win Over Ghost Pirates

Pierce Charleson makes 27 saves, including a 'save of the year' candidate, to lead Greenville to victory.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:26am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a tight defensive battle, Pierce Charleson of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits made 27 saves to earn his first career shutout in a 3-0 win over the Savannah Ghost Pirates. The win cuts Greenville's deficit in the playoff race to just six points behind Savannah with 13 games left in the season.

Why it matters

The Swamp Rabbits are fighting to make the playoffs, and this shutout win over a division rival keeps them in the hunt. Charleson's standout performance, including a highlight-reel save, could provide a boost of momentum for the team down the stretch.

The details

The game was scoreless through the first period, with both goalies making key saves. In the second period, Neil Shea broke the deadlock with a goal for Greenville. In the final minutes, Wade Murphy scored an empty-net goal and Ryan O'Hara added a power-play tally to seal the 3-0 win for the Swamp Rabbits.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 22, 2026.
  • Shea's goal came at the 28:40 mark of the game.
  • Murphy's empty-net goal came with 2:13 remaining in the third period.
  • O'Hara's power-play goal came with 45 seconds left in the game.

The players

Pierce Charleson

The goaltender for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits who made 27 saves to earn his first career shutout.

Neil Shea

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits forward who scored the game's opening goal in the second period.

Wade Murphy

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits forward who scored an empty-net goal late in the third period.

Ryan O'Hara

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits forward who scored a power-play goal in the final minute of the game.

Vinnie Purpura

The goaltender for the Savannah Ghost Pirates who made 10 saves in the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Swamp Rabbits will conclude their 11-game road trip with a game against the Jacksonville Icemen on Sunday, March 23 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

The takeaway

Charleson's shutout performance and the Swamp Rabbits' timely scoring kept them in the playoff hunt, demonstrating the team's resilience and ability to win tight, defensive-minded games against division rivals.