The El Paso Rhinos have signed Canadian defenseman Austin Grawbarger to help protect the blue line during the 2015-2016 campaign to win back the Thorne Cup. The 6’4”, 190 lb. defenseman is a bruising hitter with a penchant for mixing it up — with a total of 213 penalty minutes in 118 games played in the Greater Metro Hockey League in Canada.
The Newmarket, Ontario native is far from a one way player, however. In three seasons in the GMHL – one with the Bobcaygeon Bucks and two with the Bradford Rattlers – Grawbarger tallied 104 points in his 118 games. In his most recent season with the Rattlers, Grawbarger also served as the alternate captain and looks forward to bringing those same leadership skills to El Paso.
“I will be there to motivate every player and be the guy that coaches and players look to if they need me in tough situations,” said Grawbarger.
Much like recent signing Kristians Zelts, Grawbarger is looking forward to his arrival in El Paso — and the beginning of the Rhinos season — in order to fully grasp the rabidity of the Rhinos fan base that he has heard so much about.
“I am looking forward to having such great support from the El Paso fans and I can’t wait to play in front of such a great crowd. I am excited to play for a new team, in such an amazing environment,” said Grawbarger. “It will be the experience of a lifetime.”
Grawbarger continues to work and spend all of his off-time working out and conditioning prior to his move to El Paso later this summer. The Rhinos are excited to add Austin to the family and look forward to welcoming him when he arrives.
– Jason Green
