Vigier Returns to Snakes

Published on October 5, 2009 under SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release


Columbus Cottonmouths goaltender Ian Vigier has made an unexpected return to Columbus and signed with the Snakes for the upcoming season. Vigier recently left the Snakes after two seasons and signed with the Dayton Gems of the IHL for the upcoming season. After one week of training camp with the Gems, he personally made the decision to leave their camp and has returned to Columbus.

"The situation in Dayton just wasn't the right fit for me," Vigier said. "I physically left Columbus for Dayton, but my heart was still here with the Cottonmouths. I'm very excited and proud to be a Snake again, and can't wait for another great season."

This will be Vigier's third season with the Snakes. The Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba native has compiled a 32-21-9 over two seasons. Vigier came to the Snakes as a rookie in 2007, earning All-SPHL rookie team honors for his successful first professional season. Last season, Vigier finished fourth among SPHL goaltenders with a 2.91 Goals Against Average and .911 save percentage. He also spent 11 games with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL, registering a 2.83 GAA and 6-4-1 record. Vigier finished last season on a high note, posting an 11-1-3 record over the Snakes' final 15 regular season games.

"I was surprised to get a call from Ian, but am happy to have him back into the mix" head coach Jerome Bechard said. "We now have something that hasn't happened over the past few years, and that is a goalie competition. I think this will be healthy and make our hockey team better. May the best goalie win."

The Snakes now have three goaltenders scheduled to attend training camp, including Vigier, Chad Rycroft and rookie Steve Bounds. A total of 21 players, 12 returnees and 9 newcomers, will be in training camp which is set to begin Monday, Oct. 12.

Season tickets that have been paid in-full or placed on our payment plan are now available for pickup in the Cottonmouths office. Exhibition and individual game tickets are now on sale at the Civic Center box office. The Snakes host the Huntsville Havoc for an exhibition game Friday, Oct. 16, and open the 2009-10 regular season at home Friday, Oct. 23 against the Fayetteville FireAntz.

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