Columbus Rolls over Huntsville, 5-1
March 18, 2015 - SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release
The Columbus Cottonmouths had a three-goal lead after two periods and cruised the rest of the way en route to a 5-1 win over the Huntsville Havoc.
Huntsville was stymied by Columbus' netminder Shannon Szabados, who stopped 34 shots during the victory. Szabados managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 3.13 prior to the game.
The Cottonmouths were paced by Nick Curry, who racked up one goal. Curry scored 6:37 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Columbus. Shawn Bates provided the assist.
Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 17:17 into the third period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with five game misconducts.
Columbus' penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled four minors and three majors for 43 minutes in penalty time. The Cottonmouths had been averaging 21.0 minutes in penalties per game. Columbus excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in four chances.
Columbus additionally got points from Louis Belisle, who also registered one goal and one assist, Matt Gingera, who also finished with one goal and one assist, and Bates, who also grabbed one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. Bryce Williamson also scored for Columbus. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Ben OQuinn and Andy Willigar, who contributed one each.
The Havoc forced their penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up four minors and three majors for 53 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 24.0 minutes per game Huntsville had been spending in the box. The Havoc stifled the Cottonmouths' power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Huntsville forced Columbus goalie Szabados to work between the pipes, taking 35 shots.
The Havoc were led by Justin Cseter, who scored the team's only goal. Cseter scored short handed 17:50 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Columbus. Huntsville was on a disadvantage when Robert Davis went off the ice for verbal abuse of officials. Luke Greiner assisted on the tally.
The Cottonmouths registered zero goals on three power play opportunities. For Columbus, Will Aide and Chris Bailer were ejected from the contest. Kevin Genoe recorded 23 saves for the Havoc. Team's Davis and Aaron McGill were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game.
• Discuss this story on the SPHL message board...
SPHL Stories from March 18, 2015
- Rivermen Prepare for Big Weekend Games - Peoria Rivermen
- SPHL Announces Suspension - SPHL
- Playoff Tickets on Sale Now - Mississippi RiverKings
- Havoc Sign Three, Place Three On Injured Reserve - Huntsville Havoc
- Columbus Rolls over Huntsville, 5-1 - Columbus Cottonmouths
- Pensacola Survives Columbus Comeback, Wins 4-3 - Columbus Cottonmouths
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Columbus Cottonmouths Stories
- Columbus River Dragons Unveil Training Camp Roster
- Columbus River Dragons Partner with LiveSource for Merchandise Auctions this Season
- Cottonmouths Announce Roster for January 27 and 28
- Cottonmouths Announce Roster for January 27
- Cottonmouths Announce New Co-Coach, Orrin Hergott