Cottonmouths Announce Opening Night Roster

October 24, 2007 - SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release


The Columbus Cottonmouths have announced their opening night roster for the 2007-08 season, which opens this Friday, Oct. 26 at home against the Huntsville Havoc. The Snakes are the defending Commissioner's Cup, regular season champions, and will take to the ice with nine returning players from last season.

On the offensive side, the Snakes return eight forwards. Tim Green and Ryan Rutz, two of the Snakes' leading scorers and top offensive weapons in the league, will each return for their fourth season. However, they will currently be without their linemate from the last two seasons, center Tylor Keller who is awaiting clearance to play after a head injury in the offseason.

Also returning on offense for the Snakes will be captain Craig Stahl, Orrin Hergott, Lorne Misita, Daryl Moor, Mark Prentice and Jason Price. This marks the fourth consecutive season with the Snakes for Stahl, Hergott, Misita and Moor. The Snakes welcome a pair of rookies, Brennen Francon and Dan Leslie.

The Cottonmouths' defense will be comprised of several new faces this season, as the Snakes' lone returning defenseman will be Andrew Dwyer. Craig Hayden, a 32-year old defenseman will bring needed experience, while a talented group of rookies, including Chris Stubel, Darren Noskey and Tyler Johnson will join the Snakes for their first professional season. Paul Lynch recently joined the Snakes after beginning camp in the IHL with the Kalamazoo Wings. Lynch previously played in the East Coast Hockey League.

The Snakes welcome a new goaltending tandem, Nathan Heinen and Ian Vigier, for the 2007-08 season. With the retirement of Chad Rycroft and Ryan Senft's decision to tryout at a higher league, the Snakes bring in an eager pair of rookies to lead them between the pipes. Heinen and Vigier will both be playing in their first professional season.

Season tickets are still available in the Cottonmouths office, and individual game tickets are available at the Columbus Civic Center box office. The Snakes will host a pair of home games this weekend, Oct. 26 and 27. Game times are set for 7:30 p.m. The Snakes will be wearing special edition jerseys both nights in recognition of breast cancer awareness month. The jerseys will be auctioned off following Saturday's game.



SPHL Stories from October 24, 2007


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