Snakes Release Bounds, Resign Rycroft

Published on October 26, 2009 under SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release


Columbus Cottonmouths head coach Jerome Bechard has made a final decision regarding the Snakes goaltending competition. On Monday, rookie Steve Bounds was released, and Chad Rycroft has re-signed with the Snakes.

The Snakes originally signed both Rycroft and Bounds for the 2009-10 season. Goaltender Ian Vigier had moved on, leaving the Snakes after two seasons and signing with the Dayton Gems of the IHL. Vigier wasn't happy in Dayton and made an unexpected return to Columbus, leaving the Snakes with three goaltending options.

With Bounds and Rycroft already committed to the Snakes, Bechard decided to bring all three goaltenders to camp. Rycroft and Bounds split playing time during the first exhibition game, each giving up one goal. All three goalies played in the second exhibition game, where Vigier gave up a pair of goals and again, Bounds and Rycroft each gave up one. Bechard decided to place Vigier and Bounds on the opening night roster, but the competition wasn't over.

Bounds got the start in net for the Snakes on Saturday, facing 47 shots as the Snakes fell 4-3 to the FireAntz. He was released on Monday, making room for Rycroft to return for his fifth season. Over four seasons, Rycroft has compiled a 79-49-6 regular season record in Columbus. He led the Snakes to an SPHL championship in 2005 and was named SPHL goaltender of the year in 2007.

"Bounds faced a lot of shots on Saturday, and I think he would have liked to have a couple of those goals back," Bechard said. "He made some big stops and I think he could compete at our level and work his way into being a number-one goalie. Unfortunately for Steve, Chad Rycroft is a proven number-one goaltender, and with him and Vigier both back, we have two of the best goalies in the league."

With the return of Rycroft, the Snakes are the only SPHL team returning both members of their goaltending tandem from last season. Vigier and Rycroft are expected to split equal time between the pipes.

The Snakes split their opening series with the Fayetteville FireAntz last weekend, defeating the Antz 4-1 on Friday and falling 4-3 on Saturday. Orrin Hergott picked up three goals on the weekend, and all five of the Snakes rookie forwards contributed points.

The Cottonmouths host the defending SPHL-champion Knoxville Ice Bears for a pair of home games this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31. Friday is CSU Night. Any students or faculty with CSU ID cards can present them for $5 upper level tickets. Tickets are also available at the University bookstore for students. Saturday is a special 1 p.m. start time. The Snakes will have trick or treating and a Halloween kids zone.

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