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Snakes Re-sign Green and Rutz, Welcome Patterson

August 4, 2008 - SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release


The Columbus Cottonmouths have re-signed forwards Tim Green and Ryan Rutz for the upcoming season. In addition, they welcome veteran center Brad Patterson.

Green enters his fifth season as a Cottonmouth. He came to the Snakes as a rookie in 2004, and his 60 points that season helped guide Columbus to its second league championship in team history. In his four seasons as a Snake, Green has tallied 264 points over 198 regular season games. Over each of the last four seasons (2004-2008), he has finished 16th, 3rd, 9th and 23rd in the league in points scored, respectively.

Rutz also came to the Snakes in 2004, and didn't miss a game in three complete seasons until the 2006-07 playoffs when he was battling a shoulder injury. He picked up 37 goals in each the 2005-06 and 2006-07 season, and went on to finish 11th and 10th in the league in points scored, respectively. Rutz has contributed 200 points in 220 games over his career as a Cottonmouth. He and Green have been linemates since the 2005-06 season.

"Tim Green and Ryan Rutz have been a big part of our offense over the past four years," head coach Jerome Bechard said. "I think last year they were a little bit off, but with the addition of Brad Patterson I expect their numbers to rise again. That doesn't mean they'll necessarily be on the same scoring line, but it's an option that will be explored."

Patterson, 27, is the first newcomer signed for the 2008-09 season. The Cranbrook, British Columbia native, and hometown childhood friend of captain Craig Stahl, is the second veteran signed by the Snakes, along with Stahl. Only three veterans are allowed on each SPHL roster. Having played professionally since 2001, Patterson has spent parts of four seasons in the CHL, and two seasons with the EIHL in England. Over his professional career, he has accumulated 153 points in 270 regular season games.

"Brad Patterson is the biggest signing for us in our SPHL history," Bechard said. "He will be a leader for us and a fan favorite."

The Cottonmouths have now signed nine players for the upcoming season. The Snakes open the 2008-09 campaign at home Friday, Oct. 24 against the Huntsville Havoc. For more information, visit www.cottonmouths.com or give the Cottonmouths office a call at 706 571 0086.



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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.

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