Bloomington Bison Defeat Greenville Swamp Rabbits in Historic 8-5 Matchup

The Bison score a franchise-record 5 goals in the first period to earn a crucial divisional win.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:27am

An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the frenetic action and energy of a high-scoring hockey game, with players' forms dissolving into dynamic brushstrokes and splatters of paint.The Bloomington Bison's offensive outburst and resilience in a crucial divisional matchup are captured in a vibrant, expressionist illustration.Greenville Today

The Bloomington Bison scored 8 goals, including a franchise-record 5 in the first period, to defeat the Greenville Swamp Rabbits 8-5 in a high-scoring affair at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Thursday night. Grant Porter recorded 5 assists for the Bison, who kept pace in the tight Central Division playoff race.

Why it matters

This win was a crucial divisional matchup for the Bison, who are jockeying for one of the final playoff spots in the Central Division. The Bison's explosive first period offense and ability to hold off a late Swamp Rabbits comeback attempt showcased their resilience and scoring depth.

The details

The Bison struck first on the power play, with Chongmin Lee scoring the opening goal. Greenville quickly answered to tie it, but Bloomington then scored four unanswered goals before the end of the first period, including tallies from Parker Gavlas, Deni Goure, Brenden Datema, and Sullivan Mack. The Bison continued their onslaught in the second, extending their lead to 7-3 before Greenville mounted a late comeback attempt. But Mack's empty-net goal in the final minute sealed the historic 8-5 win for Bloomington.

  • The Bison scored the opening goal on the power play at 2:07 of the first period.
  • Greenville tied the game just 32 seconds later.
  • Bloomington scored four straight goals in the final 15 minutes of the first period.
  • The Bison extended their lead to 7-3 in the second period.
  • Greenville scored two late goals to make it a two-goal game, but Mack's empty-netter in the final minute secured the win.

The players

Grant Porter

The Bloomington Bison forward recorded 5 assists, the most points in a single game by a Bison player.

Chongmin Lee

The Bloomington Bison forward scored the opening goal on the power play in the first period.

Parker Gavlas

The Bloomington Bison defenseman scored a goal in the first period to regain the lead for his team.

Deni Goure

The Bloomington Bison forward continued the Bison's first-period onslaught with a goal of his own.

Brenden Datema

The Bloomington Bison forward scored a goal and drew a penalty in the first period.

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What’s next

The Bison will look to build on this historic win as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the tight Central Division race.

The takeaway

The Bloomington Bison's explosive first-period performance and ability to hold off a late Greenville comeback showcased the team's offensive firepower and resilience, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a postseason berth.