Columbus nets goaltender, adds three others

September 21, 2004 - SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release


COLUMBUS, Ga. – The Columbus Cottonmouths of the SPHL today announced the signing of goaltender Chad Rycroft and forwards Tylor Keller, Brent Toews (TAVES), and Chad Wrixon (RIHKS-uhn), bringing the number of players signed to ten.

Rycroft, 26, comes to Columbus after a successful collegiate career at Augustana University in Camrose, Alberta, the same school that also produced Cottonmouths signee Tim Green. Along with Green, Rycroft was named to the Alberta Colleges Athletic Association (ACAC) All-Conference First Team last season. The 6'0", 190-pounder backstopped the Vikings in 25 games, earning a 9-10-6 record with a 3.70 goals against average and a .914 save percentage.

"Chad's been a solid goaltender wherever he's played. I'm looking for him to provide the same between the pipes here," said Cottonmouths head coach and general manager Jerome Bechard.

Keller also comes to the Snakes from the ACAC, playing last season for Mount Royal College in Calgary. He was third in scoring in the ACAC last season with 39 points (14G, 25A) in 28 games. The 25-year-old 6-foot center also played in front of Rycroft during the 2000-01 season in Augustana and shared some time in juniors on the same team with Tim Green.

"Keller has played with Green before, which will help both of them out offensively. I'm expecting good things out of Tylor," said Bechard.

Towes and Wrixon both join the Cottonmouths after playing last season for the Winkler Flyers in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). Toews was the Flyers' heavyweight over the past two seasons as the 6'3", 205-pound right winger tallied 455 penalty minutes over 121 total games. Wrixon, a 6'1", 195-pound left wing, provided a steady diet of offense to the Flyers over the past three seasons with 91 total goals in 164 games. Wrixon's offensive output ranked third in the MJHL last season with 69 points (30G, 39A). Both 21-year-olds will begin their first pro season in Columbus.

"I'm looking for Brent to be a physical presence on the ice while playing the game at the same time, and Chad will be a player I'll look to for an offensive spark," said Bechard.

The Snakes open the inaugural SPHL season at home on Friday, October 29 at 7:30 PM against the Knoxville Ice Bears. The weekend heats up on Saturday, October 30 as one of the fiercest rivalries in minor league hockey history is rekindled when the Macon Trax visit the Snake Pit. Tickets for these and all other Cottonmouths home games are available at TicketMaster outlets or by contacting the Snakes' office at 706.571.0086.



SPHL Stories from September 21, 2004


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.

OurSports Central