ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Joe Houk Rejoins Swamp Rabbits for 2016-17

Published on August 4, 2016 under 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 defenseman Joe Houk has agreed to terms with the team for the 2016-17 season.

"Joe fits the mold of our team very well and was an effective two-way player for us in the second half of last season," Head Coach Brian Gratz said. "He skates well and has become a player who can log a lot of minutes on our blue line as a key member of our defense corps."

Houk joined the Swamp Rabbits last January following a trade with Manchester for future considerations. The Richboro, Pennsylvania native went on to record a career-high three goals, eight assists and 11 points in 26 games with Greenville. Houk added one assist in 16 games with Elmira and Manchester prior to joining the Swamp Rabbits in 2015-16.

"There are a lot of things about Greenville that make it an ideal place to play," Houk said. "The fans are as passionate as any in the ECHL and the facility is one of the bestin the league. It's also nice to play in one of the most competitive divisions. The choice to come back was easy."

Houk split the 2014-15 season between the Jackals (14 games) and Toledo Walleye (25 games), where he skated with Swamp Rabbits Assistant Coach Troy Schwab. The 26-year-old combined for 13 points (2g, 11a) in 39 appearances during his rookie season.

Prior to turning pro, the 6'0, 204-pound defenseman played two seasons at Hamilton College (2009-11) and two seasons at the University of Massachusetts - Lowell (2012-14). He amassed 19 points (4g, 15a) in 74 career games to complete his collegiate career at UMASS-Lowell and helped the River Hawks capture the 2013 Hockey East Championship.

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