Houk returns to Swamp Rabbits

Greenville, S.C. –The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, announced that defenseman Joe Houkhas re-signed with the team for the 2017-18 season. Houk led Swamp Rabbits' blue-liners in scoring last season and ranked eighth among all ECHL defensemen.

Houk was a noticeable presence for the Swamp Rabbits last season, suiting up for 69 games and collecting 47 points (16g-31a). In overtime, he provided two game-winning goals and was one of only seven ECHL defensemen to accomplish that feat. The 27-year-old manned the point on the power play and tallied 13 points (4g-9a) on the man advantage.

The Richboro, Pa. native turned pro in 2014, beginning his career with the Toledo Walleye, collecting his first point in his debut. Since joining the pro ranks, Houk also saw time with the Elmira Jackals and the Manchester Monarchs before being acquired by the Swamp Rabbits on Jan. 18, 2016. Since joining Greenville, the University of Massachusetts-Lowell product has earned 58 points (19g-39a) in 95 games.

Before joining the pro ranks, Houk began his NCAA career with Hamilton College, producing 52 points (21g-31a) in 51 games. With the Continentals, he was named the New England Small College Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2010-11, becoming the first sophomore in league history to win the award. After two successful seasons he transferred to UMass-Lowell, where he helped the River Hawks capture the school’s first Hockey East championship in 2013. He earned 19 points (4g-15a) in 74 games with UMass-Lowell.