TOSTI: AUSTIN MCKAY INKS CONTRACT WITH SWAMP RABBITS
Austin McKay Inks Contract with
Swamp Rabbits
Power forward signs with Greenville for second pro season
BY: Brian Tosti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Greenville, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, announced the addition of forward Austin McKay for the 2017-18 season. McKay becomes the Swamp Rabbits fifth signing of the offseason, joining Nick Betz, Ricky DeRosa, Sean Flanagan, and Chad Duchesne.
McKay, 26, split time between the ECHL and SPHL last season, seeing action with the Rapid City Rush, Atlanta Gladiators, Evansville Thunderbolts, and Pensacola Ice Flyers. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound forward opened the year netting nine points (3G, 6A) in 14 SPHL games including a season high four helpers on November 26th. His performance earned a call up to the ECHL with Atlanta which featured a game in Greenville. Later in the season, McKay earned an extended stay with the Rapid City Rush from February 10th to March 4th. In 14 total ECHL games last season, McKay garnered seven points (4G, 3A).
“Austin took big steps last season in the ECHL and brings a physical tenacity onto the ice that gives us depth down the middle,” said Head Coach Brian Gratz. “We’re excited to have a player of his size and ability join the Swamp Rabbits.”
The Toronto, Ontario native made his ECHL debut on April 8th, 2016 with the Brampton Beast and played two games following the completion of his senior season at Lake Superior State University. McKay captained the Lakers that season and ended his collegiate career with 103 games and 13 points (8G, 5A), earning WCHA All-Academic Honors in 2015.
“I’m going to be the guy to work hard every night. I play a physical game and want to be reliable in my own zone and then chip in offensively,” said McKay. “Overall, it’s about being an honest and hardworking, two-way player and I’m excited to bring that to Greenville. Hopefully, we can take the next step further in the playoffs this season.”
Before joining the collegiate and pro ranks, McKay played junior hockey in the Atlantic Junior Hockey League for the Drayton Valley Thunder and tallied 76 points (35G, 41) in 115 games over two seasons. His final season featured 53 points (26G, 27A) in 58 games to lead the team in goals and rank among the top-20 AJHL scorers.
The Swamp Rabbits and their newest forward open the season against the Wheeling Nailers on Oct. 13, 2017. The puck will drop for the Swamp Rabbits’ Opening Weekend at 7 p.m. EST at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Hockey Demo Days: Join the Greenville Swamp Rabbits for their first two Hockey Demo Days. The events will be held Saturday, July 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, July 30 from noon to 4 p.m. There will be free hockey instruction in the Dew Street Hockey Zone, corn hole, music, food, giveaways and much more. Check SwampRabbits.com as the event draws closer for more details.
Christmas In July: It’s the most wonderful time of the year, to take advantage of some great deals at the Hop Shop! From 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on July 25th and 27th don’t miss out on some big discounts. Prices cut up to 30% off on almost everything in the store! Offer only available in-store. Call Cory at the Hop Shop at (864) 250-4799 for more information.
Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages. Download the Swamp Rabbits app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for up to date information right in the palm of your hand.
Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864-674-PUCK (7825) for information on 2017-18 season tickets and to secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at SwampRabbits.com/shop to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties!
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