Cottonmouths' Captain Stahl Returns for 2007-08 Season

July 9, 2007 - SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release


Columbus Cottonmouths captain Craig "The Chief" Stahl has signed and will return to the Snakes for the 2007-08 season, marking his fifth season as a Cottonmouth. The Cranbrook, British Columbia native has served as the team's captain since 2004, when the team joined the SPHL.

Stahl originally came to the Snakes in 2000. During the 2000-01 season, he helped lead the Cottonmouths to the CHL championship finals, where they eventually fell to the Oklahoma City Blazers. During that season, Stahl played in 67 games, registering 7 goals and 12 assists.

When the Cottonmouths became part of the ECHL in 2001, Stahl left Columbus and played with the Greensboro Generals and then later with the New Mexico Scorpions for two seasons.

In 2004, Stahl made his return to the Snakes and became only the fourth captain in Cottonmouths' history. He racked up 13 goals and 15 assists during the 2004-05 season, leading the Snakes to their second league championship in history, and first SPHL championship.

In the past two seasons (2005-06 and 2006-07), Stahl has picked up 60 points in 108 total games played. Last season, he helped guide the Snakes to a first-place regular season finish for which they were awarded the Commissioner's Cup. Stahl plans on this being his final year in professional hockey.

"Craig has been a true professional his entire career," head coach Jerome Bechard said. "To have him back for one last year is very important. He is a big presence for us on the ice, and the leadership he brings to my locker room can't be matched."

Stahl is the second player to sign with the Snakes for the upcoming season. Goaltender Ryan Senft has also signed. The Snakes will begin their 12th season this October. For additional information, contact the Cottonmouths at 706 571 0086.



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