Snakes Re-Sign First Players for 2012-13 Season

June 19, 2012 - SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release


The 2012 SPHL-champion Columbus Cottonmouths have re-signed three players for the upcoming season as they look to defend their title. Re-signing with the Snakes are forwards Daniel Amesbury, James Durham and Brett Hammond.

Enforcer Daniel Amesbury came to the Snakes in mid-December after eight games with the Danville Dashers of the Federal Hockey League. He made an early statement, with three fighting majors in his first game with the Cottonmouths. Amesbury finished the season with 34 major penalties in 35 games, leading the league in both penalty minutes (250) and major penalties (34.) He returns for his second professional season.

"Dan came in halfway through the season and had an immediate impact on the team and the crowd," head coach Jerome Bechard said. "He'll work on his hockey skills and continue be a physical presence in the league."

Durham was a very late acquisition for the Snakes, making the team's playoff roster having never played a game at the professional level. Durham recorded a goal and two assists in six playoff games for the Cottonmouths. Prior to joining the Snakes, the Marilla, New York native played four seasons at Buffalo State of the SUNYAC conference, recording 47 points in 97 games.

"Jim was a great pickup for the playoffs," Bechard said. "He was a physical presence on the ice, and I expect him to be this season, too."

Hammond returns for his third season as a Cottonmouth. Hammond was placed on waivers on March 7, as the Cottonmouths were forced to make a roster move when Sam Bowles returned from the IR. Last season, the Minnesota native collected 25 points in 45 games. This will be the veteran's ninth professional season.

"Brett didn't have the year he wanted," Bechard said. "I didn't like how things ended for him last year, but he was a leader all the way down the stretch for us. With Will Barlow leaving, expect Brett to have a comeback year and be a big part of our team."

Season tickets are on sale now for the Cottonmouths' 16th season. Full season tickets are available for as low as $32 per month. Renewing season ticket holders have until Friday, June 30 to renew their seats before they are made available to the public on Monday, July 2. The Cottonmouths' new and improved unused season ticket policy allows season ticket holders to exchange unused season tickets for any remaining regular season game for a nominal fee of $1 per ticket. Season tickets can be reserved over the phone or in person at the Cottonmouths office, or on the tickets page on our website, cottonmouths.com.



SPHL Stories from June 19, 2012


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