Ripley returns to Swamp Rabbits

GREENVILLE, S.C. —The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have agreed to terms on a contract with defensemanLuke Ripley, who will enter his third season with the Swamp Rabbits organization.Ripley's development as a pro defenseman hit a new gear in year two from year one. The 26-year-old played in four fewer games in his second year due to an upper body injury, but tripled his point output. He also significantly cut down on the penalties, having only taken five minor penalties in 31 games last season. Overall, he has scored 12 points (4g-8a) in 66 games as a pro.The native of Kitimat, British Columbia played for a perennially contending University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish club that won a Big Ten regular season and conference championship in 2018. He served as an alternate captain in both his junior and senior seasons. All told, he scored 15 points in 120 games at Notre Dame.Ripley also made waves prior to his collegiate career at the junior level, as team rookie of the year with the Dawson Creek Rage of the North American Hockey League in 2011, and he was named to Team Canada West in the 2013 World Junior A Challenge, where he won the silver medal.