A New Chapter in the Swamp Rabbits’ Roster
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits announced the addition of veteran forward Mike O’Leary for the 2026‑27 ECHL season, a move that bolsters the team’s offensive depth with a player who has consistently produced at the professional level across multiple leagues.
O’Leary’s most recent campaign with the Tahoe Knight Monsters saw him reach a career‑best 33 points, comprising 12 goals and 21 assists over 65 games. That performance follows a solid track record of 91 points in 292 career games, earned while navigating the AHL, Liiga, and other competitive circuits.
Career Highlights and International Experience
The Halifax native spent four seasons at the University of Notre Dame, where he helped the Fighting Irish capture two Big Ten championships and advance to the 2018 Frozen Four. Internationally, O’Leary contributed to a bronze‑medal effort with Ilves in the 2025 Liiga season, underscoring his ability to adapt to European styles of play.
Prior to his European stint, O’Leary led the Dubuque Fighting Saints to a runner‑up finish in the 2016 Clark Cup Finals in the USHL, a junior milestone that foreshadowed his later professional success. His pro journey also includes stints with the Florida Everblades, Hartford Wolf Pack, Iowa Wild, and Milwaukee Admirals, each stop adding layers to his versatile skill set.
A Halifax Native Returns to North America
Now entering his seventh professional season, O’Leary returns to North American ice with a clear objective: to contribute immediately to the Swamp Rabbits’ push for a playoff berth. His familiarity with high‑pressure environments, combined with a proven knack for scoring in clutch moments, positions him as a key piece of Greenville’s forward group.