TOSTI: SWAMP RABBITS LAND VETERAN AUSTEN BRASSARD
Greenville inks sixth-year forward with nearly 200 games of AHL experience from Toledo.
BY: Brian Tosti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Greenville, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits announced that forward Austen Brassard has signed with the team for the 2018-19 season. The veteran brings nearly 300 games of professional experience to Greenville and played all of the 2017-18 campaign with the Toledo Walleye.
Brassard, 25, was one of the Walleye’s top ten contributors last season, earning 34 points (10G, 24A) in 61 games. He also ranked third on the roster with 75 PIMS during the regular season. The forward was a key piece of Toledo’s postseason run, netting a team-leading eight points (3G, 5A) in 10 Kelly Cup Playoff contests. In the last two seasons, Brassard has played 100 ECHL contests and posted 63 points (19G, 44A) in stints with Toledo and the Utah Grizzlies.
“From what I’ve heard, Greenville is a safe place to bring your family, which I have,” said Brassard on choosing Greenville as his next home. “I talked to Kevin quite a bit before signing and he seems like a great guy who cares about his players and pushes them. So it’s just a good fit for me I think.”
“I’d consider myself a lead by example kind of guy, but I’ve been around long enough to know what it takes to win. I’m just hoping to bring a good work ethic and positive attitude to the team to help us be successful.”
The Windsor, Ontario native enters his sixth year of professional hockey and has logged 199 games in the AHL. Brassard turned pro in 2013 after being drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 2011 and laced up with the St. John’s IceCaps. Over the next three seasons with the Jets’ AHL affiliates, St. John’s and Manitoba, Brassard scored 24 goals and added 35 assists. In the 2016-17 season, the 6-foot-2 skater played an additional 20 games for the San Diego Gulls and tallying two goals and two assists.
“Austen is going to be an integral part of our team this year. He has the ability to take over a game and brings an AHL caliber player to our lineup,” said Head Coach Kevin Kerr. “He’s a gritty player that can play physical when needed but also brings top-line skill and scoring ability to the ice. We’re very excited to bring him to Greenville and for him to be one of the leaders of the team.”
Before turning pro, Brassard played four seasons in the OHL and suiting up with the Windsor Spitfires and Belleville Bulls. In 256 games, he collected 147 points (70G, 77A). The winger also represented Canada at the 2011 IIHF U18 World Championship and won gold at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
Brassard joins 11 other skaters on the Swamp Rabbits offseason roster for the 2018-19 season. The list includes defensemen Jake Bolton, JC Brassard, Trevor Owens, and Sean Flanagan and forwards Mike Pelech, Travis Howe, Alex Globke, Timmy Moore, Will Merchant, JT Henke and Johno May. As the offseason continues, stay tuned to SwampRabbits.com for a full updated list of players to sign for the upcoming season.
