Undrafted Greenville Swamp Rabbits 4th year right wing Travis Howe(14) has almost literally pounded his way up the hockey ladder.
He started basically as low as you can be on the scale initially signing with Berlin River Drivers of the FHL after a pair of QMJHL games and a season in the NAHL with Corpus Christi IceRays before turning pro, but 4 fights in got him noticed by Mississippi RiverKings, who called him up.
After a few more battles in, he was brought in by Macon Mayhem to continue and quickly became a player fans wanted to see more of and would play out his rookie season.
He would finish with a career high 23 fighting majors to his early credit.
The very big 6’4″ 225 lbs. forward was still gaining notice at continued higher levels and Utah Grizzlies stepped in offering him a one-year deal.
He stayed with the team for a pair of campaigns running up time spent in the box totals of 234 and 195 with 22 and 17 battles, but also potted a career high 5 goals and 5 assists in 44 ECHL in his second year.
Signing for 2018/2019 in South Carolina, he already has 7 scraps in 20 games and earned a 1st loan to Tuscon Roadrunners.
In 1 AHL game, the 24-year old dropped the gloves once and took another penalty in a 5-0 win.
He may not last in this league but could also be looked to as protection, earning his way onto an NHL club’s direct affiliate.