McKay inks contract with 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 the addition of forward Austin McKay for the 2017-18 season.

McKay split time between the ECHL (Rapid City Rush and Atlanta Gladiators) and SPHL (Evansville Thunderbolts and Pensacola Ice Flyers) last season. The 26-year-old opened the year netting nine points (3g-6a) in 14 SPHL games including a season high four helpers on Nov. 26. His performance earned a call up to the ECHL with Atlanta which featured a game in Greenville. Later in the season, McKay earned an extended stay with Rapid City from Feb. 10-March 4. In 14 total ECHL games last season, McKay garnered seven points (4g-3a).

The Toronto native made his ECHL debut on April 8, 2016 with the Brampton Beast and played two games following the completion of his senior season at Lake Superior State University. McKay captained the Lakers that season and ended his collegiate career with 103 games and 13 points (8g-5a), earning WCHA All-Academic Honors in 2015.

Before joining the collegiate and pro ranks, McKay played junior hockey in the Atlantic Junior Hockey League for the Drayton Valley Thunder and tallied 76 points (35g-41a) in 115 games over two seasons. His final season featured 53 points (26g-27a) in 58 games to lead the team in goals and rank among the top-20 AJHL scorers.