Tyler Elbrecht Becomes First Signing of 2016-17
June 20, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits News Release
Greenville, SC - The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, today announced the club has re-signed defenseman Tyler Elbrecht for the 2016-17 season.
"We saw last year just how effective Tyler's presence can be," Head Coach Brian Gratz said. "He provides a hard-nosed, grittiness to our blue line and his experience at this level will help guide some of our young players."
Elbrecht, 27, spent all of last season with the Swamp Rabbits, providing a strong and physical presence on the back line. He led the club with a career-high 148 penalty minutes and added 12 points (2g, 10a) in 65 appearances - the most games played for a Greenville defenseman.
"I'm thrilled to be back in Greenville with such a great organization and fantastic fan base," Elbrecht said. "I'm really looking forward to bringing back a winning culture to the city."
A fourth-year pro, Elbrecht spent each of his first two seasons with Toledo and Idaho from 2013-15. He led the Walleye with 117 penalty minutes during the 2014-15 campaign and notched 12 points (2g, 10a) and a +17 rating in 66 regular-season games. Elbrecht also produced six penalty minutes in seven playoff contests, helping Toledo reach the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals. He was a teammate of Swamp Rabbits Assistant Coach Troy Schwab in 2014-15 as well.
The Edwardsville, Illinois native debuted with Idaho in 2013-14 and recorded seven points (1g, 6a) and 110 penalty minutes in 45 contests. He was traded to Toledo on Feb. 24, 2014 and chipped in two assists and 62 penalty minutes in 21 games with the Walleye.
Prior to turning pro, Elbrecht spent four seasons at Minnesota State University-Mankato from 2009-13. In 142 contests, he notched 27 points (3g, 24a) and 103 penalty minutes, and was named team captain in his junior and senior seasons. The 6'4, 210-pound defenseman also played one season of junior hockey in the United States Hockey League (USHL) and won the 2008 Clark Cup Championship with the Omaha Lancers.
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ECHL Stories from June 20, 2016
- Tyler Elbrecht Becomes First Signing of 2016-17 - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Lalonde to Leave Walleye for AHL - Toledo Walleye
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