Two Former Defensemen Return to Snakes

Published on September 16, 2008 under SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release


The Columbus Cottonmouths have announced that two former Snakes will be making their way back to the Snake Pit. Defensemen Chris Stubel and Mat Ponto have signed with the Snakes, and will return to Columbus for the 2008-09 season.

Chris Stubel started the 2007-08 season with the Snakes, playing the first 11 regular season games. He decided to leave the team in November and return home for personal reasons. Stubel has been playing senior hockey in Canada since departing Columbus, and has elected to return to the Snakes' defensive unit for 2008-09.

Stubel spent two seasons (2005-2007) at the University of Regina, picking up seven points in 59 games. Prior to that, he played three seasons with the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

"Chris will still be considered a rookie, but should feel a lot more comfortable than he did last year," Bechard said. "He's coming back here with a clean slate, and has assured me he's got his head on straight and is ready to play hockey. It's not very often that you can find a 6-foot-4 defenseman that can skate and handle the puck like he does. We're glad to have him back."

Ponto spent two seasons with the Snakes from 2005-2007, picking up 67 points in 108 regular season games. In 2005-06, he finished the season atop the league in +/- rating, leading all defensemen with a +36. His 42 points placed him fourth in scoring among SPHL defensemen, and for his efforts, he received second-team all-SPHL honors.

During the 2006-07 season, Ponto registered 25 points and led the Snakes' defense with a +6. He parted with the Snakes for the 2007-08 season to play in Bad Nauheim, Germany, where he collected 17 points in 41 games. Ponto will not only be returning to a familiar city, but also a familiar team, as seven of his 2006-07 Snakes teammates have also signed for the upcoming season, including college teammate Andrew Dwyer.

"With a player like Mat Ponto, we have instantly improved our hockey team," head coach Jerome Bechard said. "Not only can he move the puck well, but he's got a great shot from the point and enjoys stepping up and taking the body. Combine him with the rest of our defensemen, and we have good depth and size back there, which we didn't have last year."

With the signing of Stubel and Ponto, the Snakes return a strong, experienced unit of defensemen for the upcoming season. Returning defensemen include Stubel, Ponto, Dwyer, Tyler Johnson and Jason Schulz; defenseman Will Barlow has also re-signed, but will likely play forward this season, as well as some defense. Lance Smith is the lone newcomer on defense to sign thus far.

The Snakes officially open training camp Sunday, Oct. 12, and will host an exhibition game Friday, Oct. 17 versus the Huntsville Havoc. The regular season opens at home Friday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. also against the Havoc. Season tickets are still available, and individual game tickets go on sale to the public Monday, Oct. 6. Contact the Cottonmouths at 706 571 0086 or visit cottonmouths.com for more information.

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