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Cottonmouths Clinch Playoff Spot

March 11, 2013 - SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release


A regular season campaign that has seen two 5 game winning streaks, a 5 game losing streak, multiple players recognized by the league for outstanding performances and over 80 games missed due to injury; your Columbus Cottonmouths have persevered and clinched a spot in the 2013 Southern Professional Hockey League Playoffs. By virtue of their home victory Saturday night, coupled with Augusta's loss on Sunday, the Cottonmouths secured a birth in the post-season. With two weeks left in the regular season the Cottonmouths still have much to play for including improving upon their current position as the projected 5 seed.

In a season that started off with high expectations, the Cottonmouths looked to ride the momentum of last season's championship run and become only the second team in league history to win back-to-back league championships. A slow start left the team with only 3 wins through the first month of the season and questions began to arise about their ability to once again hoist the cup. The month of December marked a turning point for the Cottonmouths as they won 7 games in an 8 game stretch as the team began to gel and resemble the group that went 6-0 in the previous season's playoff run. From there injuries and call-ups began to mount and inconsistent play began to set in as the team struggled with its identity. In all the Cottonmouths lost over 80 games played due to various injuries playing a large part in the team's 14-13-2 record since January 3rd.

Despite the .529 winning percentage thus far the Cottonmouths have had several players recognized by the league for outstanding individual performances. For the month of December D Bret Tyler was recognized as Player of the Month by the SPHL after his 17 point effort was instrumental in the Cottonmouths 8-3-1 record. It was the first time the award had ever been given to a defensemen. For the month of January F Matt Gingera was also recognized as Player of the Month after he went off for 13 goals and 4 assist including back to back hat tricks for only the third time in league history.

Other players who have had standout seasons include G Andrew Loewen whose 1.75 GAA and 94% save rate tops all league goaltenders. Gingera and teammates Sam Bowles and Jordan Braid are among the league's Top 20 scorers overall while defensemen Tom Maldonado and Tyler are among the Top 5 scorers for their position.

"Obviously it is always nice to clinch a spot in the playoffs," said Head Coach Jerome Bechard. "Coming down the stretch, we are excited to get healthy and play with a full line up, and when that happens we are definitely a team that can play with anyone. "

The Cottonmouths have 2 regular season home games remaining on March 22nd and 23rd before the playoffs are set to start. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and our website www.cottonmouths.com for playoff dates and times as they are announced. Season tickets are on sale now for the 2013-14 season with friendly payment plans available. Season tickets can be reserved over the phone by calling (706) 571-0086, in person at the Cottonmouths office or through www.cottonmouths.com.



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