Swankler turns pro after three NCAA seasons
The Fort Wayne Komets have signed Michigan Tech forward Austen Swankler to a one-year deal, the team announced Monday.
Swankler, a product of North Huntingdon, Pa., suited up for Michigan Tech this past season where he had three assists in ten games played. Prior to joining the Huskies, Swankler played two seasons at Bowling Green, scoring 27 goals and adding 43 assists for 70 points in 71 games.
Before heading to the NCAA, Swankler played junior hockey in the OHL (Erie Otters) and USHL (Waterloo Black Hawks & Sioux Falls Stampede).
Swankler is a rare case in that he was allowed to play NCAA hockey despite playing major junior. Just after the pandemic hit, he reached out to the NCAA asking for his eligibility back and was granted it.
As Swankler gets ready to turn pro and head to the ECHL, he will have the opportunity to make an impact with the Komets. Having proven that he can be a dominant NCAA player, Swankler has the skills to step in and be a reliable presence.
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