Cottonmouths Sign Two More From Last Year

Columbus, GA - The Columbus Cottonmouths welcome back two more familiar faces, as defensemen Tyler Johnson and Jason Slusher have re-signed with the Snakes for the upcoming season.

Johnson is entering his third season with the Snakes. The Calgary, Alberta native came to Columbus as a rookie in 2007, picking up two goals and six assists in 51 games.  Last season, he registered 28 points in 60 games. Johnson was one of only four Snakes to play in all 60 regular season games last season.

“Tyler Johnson is a very consistent player, and can play all parts of the game,” head coach Jerome Bechard said. “I think he can take his game to the next level, and we’re going to depend on him a lot this year.”

Slusher joined the Snakes in February last season. The 6-foot-2 defenseman collected seven points in the Cottonmouths’ final 18 regular season games. Prior to coming to the Snakes, Slusher spent the 2007-08 season with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the CHL, where he picked up 12 points in 53 games.

“Jason Slusher was a good late addition last year,” Bechard said. “I look forward to seeing him play from the start of the season. He can skate and move the puck well, and he’s a physical presence in the corners and in front of the net.”

With the addition of Johnson and Slusher, the Snakes have now signed 11 players from last season’s team and four newcomers. Training camp for the 2009-10 season is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 12. The Snakes will host an exhibition game against the Huntsville Havoc Friday, Oct. 16 and open the regular season at home against the Fayetteville FireAntz Friday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m.