Kyle Mountain becomes the fifth head coach in Swamp Rabbits franchise history
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have promoted Assistant Coach Kyle Mountain to Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations, the team announced on Saturday. The 33-year-old replaced Andrew Lord, who accepted the role of Head Coach with the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads.
“We’re excited to continue to build the momentum of this organization from within,” said Tim Vieira, President of the Swamp Rabbits in a statement. “We’ve established our organizational identity as a young, and hungry group, with a heavy style on the ice. Kyle Mountain has more than earned this opportunity. We are confident that he is the leader to continue to build this organization in that vision and do things the right way: engage in the community and develop a high-character roster that competes hard each day.”
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to have the opportunity to lead the Greenville Swamp Rabbits," said Mountain. "I am so fortunate to have a role within an organization that has a relentless commitment to excellence and doing things the right way. I look forward to adding to an already outstanding culture and strive to give everything I have to our players, the Swamp Rabbits organization, and the city of Greenville.
“I want to thank Jeff Dickerson, Todd Mackin, and the entire Spire organization for their continuous support and commitment to both me and our team. I’d also like to thank Rich Seeley, the Ontario Reign and the Los Angeles Kings for their constant collaboration and commitment to our affiliation. To our President, Tim Viera, I’m thankful for his belief in me and allowing me to have a hand in building what is already a first-class organization. Finally, I would like to thank Coach Lord for being such an incredible teacher, mentor, and friend. I’m excited for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Mountain joined the Swamp Rabbits prior to the 2023-24 season and served as an Assistant Coach for one year. Prior to the ECHL, Mountain was with Neumann University, serving as an Assistant Coach for two seasons and as Head Coach for six.