Greenville, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, announced today that they have signed forward Ricky DeRosa for the upcoming 2017-18 regular season.

DeRosa, 25, comes to the Swamp Rabbits after being a four-year letter winner at Penn State University. The forward skated in 139 games for the Nittany Lions, tallying 43 points (18G, 25A). DeRosa enjoyed his best production as a senior, recording 13 points (4G, 9A) in 38 games. He tallied an assist for Penn State during the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal game against Denver. He also served as an alternate captain during the 2016-17 season.

“Ricky is a valuable two-way forward who can play a fast paced game while also providing the gritty style of hockey we are looking to add for the upcoming season,” said Head Coach Brian Gratz. “We’re very excited to have him on board and can’t wait to see him here in October.”

Hailing from Aston, PA, the 6-foot-1 skater enrolled at Penn State in 2013 and was named to the Academic All-Big Ten Team twice during his four seasons. DeRosa’s accomplishments include playing in all 38 games in 2015-16, leading the Nittany Lions in game-winning goals as a junior, and scoring a goal in Madison Square Garden against Michigan.

“It has been really exciting for me and for my family,” said DeRosa on signing his first professional contract. “I’ve heard a ton of great things about the city, the facility, and the team so it’s really exciting from all angles,” he continued. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to come down to Greenville and do my part to help win games for the Swamp Rabbits.

Prior to donning the navy and white, the rookie spent three seasons in the North American Hockey League between the Port Huron Fighting Falcons and the Amarillo Bulls. In 160 total games, he collected 92 points (30G, 62A) in the NAHL. In his final season with the Fighting Falcons DeRosa contributed 42 points (14G, 28A) and carried the team to a 2013 playoff appearance where he earned seven points (3G, 4A) in six contests.

DeRosa is the second player to sign with the Swamp Rabbits for the upcoming season. Greenville drops the puck on Friday, October 13th against the Wheeling Nailers for the first of two games on Opening Weekend.