Swamp Rabbits’ pugilist re-signs for 2019–20 season
BY: Jordan Kuhns, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Fan-favorite forward Travis Howe has signed a Standard Player Contract to return to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits for the 2019–20 season. Howe, an unforgettable physical presence on the ice, and a strong presence in the Greenville community will look to only improve on his already great first impression on the fanbase and beyond.
“I think Greenville is an unbelievable spot. The town itself is incredible. The fans are top-notch. They stuck by us in tough times, and they are as rowdy as any other fans I’ve been around,” Howe said. “It’s a town that loves the sport and it can only grow. It was an easy choice to decide to come back.”
Howe entered his Greenville career known as a player unafraid to drop the gloves and protect his teammates. He did just that with three fights and 29 penalty minutes in his preseason debut against Atlanta on October 4, 2018. Howe showed no fear in his AHL debut after his call-up to the Tucson Roadrunners, with a fight against Bokondji Imama of the Ontario Reign on December 8, 2018.
Howe finished 17th in league penalty minutes with 169, even while playing half as many games as his competitors. He showed an ability to keep up with the game and post some offense, with a pair of goals and assists, coming in a time where he saw time on the top line with Michael Pelech as a centerman. His versatility came into play when injuries decimated the blue line, and he reverted to his original position he played in juniors.
The 25-year-old worked closely with the local humane society without any fanfare this past season, with a true love of dogs, including his own canine companion, Daisy. Due to his commitment to that cause, and his willingness to embrace each and every fan in Greenville and take part in community engagement events, as well as being a strong supporter of the Swamp Rabbits Booster Club, he was nominated for the ECHL Community Service Award.
Community service is in Howe’s blood. He won the NAHL Community Service Award as a member of the Corpus Christi IceRays in 2015 where he logged over 70 hours of service. He assisted in a fundraiser during the team’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Night for an IceRays fan’s Stage IV neuroblastoma treatments.
Howe’s first year as a professional in 2015 saw him begin his time with the Berlin River Drivers of the Federal Hockey League, and the Mississippi RiverKings of the Southern Professional Hockey League, but after that, united with head coach Kevin Kerr and the Macon Mayhem.
“I played for Kerrsy prior to last year, so I know what he’s about,” Howe continued. “Last year’s result made us all angry, and we’re coming back with a vengeance. We are going to turn this around.
“The affiliation with Carolina helps us out tremendously. With or without those guys, we will have the right guys in the room to compete for a Kelly Cup championship.”
Howe caught on at the ECHL level with the Utah Grizzlies for two seasons before being acquired in a trade along with Pelech for Caleb Herbert on July 25, 2018.
The following players are now under contract for the 2019–20 season:
F – Michael Pelech (29)
F – Johno May (25)
F – Travis Howe (25)
More signings will take place throughout the offseason, so stay tuned to the Swamp Rabbits on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
###
Get Social: Follow the Swamp Rabbits and get behind-the-scenes coverage like never before on the team’s official Facebook and Twitter pages!
Contact a Swamp Rabbits Account Executive at 864.674.PUCK (7825) for information on 2019–20 ticket plans, special group rates, and hospitality opportunities and secure your seats today! Get the latest Swamp Rabbits gear by visiting the “Hop Shop” online at Shop.SwampRabbits.com to browse the full collection of fan wear and novelties!
Related
Related posts
Top picks
WOLF PACK SUFFER UGLY LOSS TO P-BRUINS IN GAME 2
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack PROVIDENCE, RI – The Hartford Wolf Pack were forced to settle for a split in Providence, as the Bruins roared back to take Game 2 6-0 at the Amica Mutual Pavilion on Friday night. The series, now tied 1-1,…
WOLF PACK TAKE GAME ONE OF SEMIS IN P-TOWN
By: Shay Costa, Howlings PROVIDENCE, RI – The Hartford Wolf Pack’s Anton Blidh scored 1:28 into the third period to give the team a 4-3 road win against his former team, the Providence Bruins, in Game One of the Atlantic Division semifinal in front of…
WOLF PACK GET 3-PT NIGHT FROM PITLICK IN GM 1 WIN
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack PROVIDENCE, RI – Tyler Pitlick picked up three points on Wednesday night as the Hartford Wolf Pack marched into the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence and took Game 1 of their best-of-five Atlantic Division Semifinals series. The Wolf Pack…
PREGAME: WOLF PACK HOPE TO BUILD ON WIN OVER B’S
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack PROVIDENCE, RI – The Hartford Wolf Pack and Providence Bruins meet tonight for Game 2 of their best-of-five Atlantic Division Semifinal series at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence. The puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m., and coverage…
WOLF PACK SUFFER UGLY LOSS TO P-BRUINS IN GAME 2
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack PROVIDENCE, RI – The Hartford Wolf Pack were forced to settle for a split in Providence, as the Bruins roared back to take Game 2 6-0 at the Amica Mutual Pavilion on Friday night. The series, now tied 1-1,…
WOLF PACK TAKE GAME ONE OF SEMIS IN P-TOWN
By: Shay Costa, Howlings PROVIDENCE, RI – The Hartford Wolf Pack’s Anton Blidh scored 1:28 into the third period to give the team a 4-3 road win against his former team, the Providence Bruins, in Game One of the Atlantic Division semifinal in front of…
WOLF PACK GET 3-PT NIGHT FROM PITLICK IN GM 1 WIN
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack PROVIDENCE, RI – Tyler Pitlick picked up three points on Wednesday night as the Hartford Wolf Pack marched into the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence and took Game 1 of their best-of-five Atlantic Division Semifinals series. The Wolf Pack…
PREGAME: WOLF PACK HOPE TO BUILD ON WIN OVER B’S
By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack PROVIDENCE, RI – The Hartford Wolf Pack and Providence Bruins meet tonight for Game 2 of their best-of-five Atlantic Division Semifinal series at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence. The puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m., and coverage…
ORLANDO ENDS SWAMP RABBITS SEASON
Swamp Rabbits show life late, but Orlando pulls away to win the series BY: Mark Binetti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, SC– Jaydon Dureau’s two-goal night spearheaded a 5-1 Orlando Solar Bears win over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Tuesday to win the South Division Semifinals…
SWAMP RABBITS ANSWER BACK IN GAME 2
Eberle nets game-winner; three multi-point performers shine in win BY: Mark Binetti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, SC—Tanner Eberle broke a deadlock in a wild third period to headline the Greenville Swamp Rabbits’ Game 2 win over the Orlando Solar Bears by a 4-2 score on Monday…
SWAMP RABBITS DROP GAME 1 in OT
Spencer Kersten ends a 72-minute game to steal Game 1 from Greenville By: Mark Binetti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. – Spencer Kersten ended a marathon goalie duel to give the Orlando Solar Bears a lead in the South Division Semifinals, 1-0, over the Greenville…
SWAMP RABBITS SCHEDULE FOR SOUTH DIVISION SEMIFINALS
Swamp Rabbits and Solar Bears begin a best-of-seven series this Sunday in Greenville By: Mark Binetti, Greenville Swamp Rabbits GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, announced the full schedule for the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs…
Stay connected with ours socials