COLUMBUS, GA – The Columbus Cottonmouths won their third straight game on Sunday at the Columbus Civic Center, beating the Pensacola Ice Flyers 4-3.
With the win, the Snakes climbed to .500 for the first time this season. They are just three points behind the Ice Flyers for fifth place in the SPHL.
The three-game win streak coincides with the suspension of coach Jerome Bechard and players Craig Simchuk and Garrett Lockeridge. Bechard was suspended six games, Simchuk 28 and Lockeridge three for their actions in the loss to Peoria on Dec. 19.
The team has been led by assistant coaches Brad Prefontaine and John Beirchen during Bechard’s suspension. Bechard has been able to maintain his general manager duties, and he is able to watch the games from the stands.
“Sometimes it’s nice to have a different voice coming at you,” said Bechard. “It’s allowed me to take more notes and see why we do the things we do. With all the stuff that has been going on, it was a great week for the guys, and we are starting to band and come together.”
The Columbus offense has perked up during the streak. After scoring just 6 goals in their previous five contests, the Snakes have rallied to score 11 during their current three-game winning streak.
Meanwhile, Pensacola, riding a four-game winning streak, used the strategy of taking as many shots from the point peppering 21 shots on goal in the opening period eventually leading to two goals, both off rebounds, including one by leading goal-scorer Corey Banfield. Banfield leads all SPHL scorers with 14 goals.
Columbus’ Chris Rial scored the Snakes’ lone goal of the first period, his second goal in as many games.
“That first period we tried to do too much, over handling the puck leading to a number of turnovers,” Bechard said. “I think coach Prefontaine came in during the break and lit the guys up, which led to us moving the puck with a purpose making good things happen.”
Columbus’ Patrick McCadden and Kyle Shapiro scored the second period’s lone two goals. Pensacola was held to just 12 shots on goal giving the Snakes the 3-2 edge heading into the final period.
In the final period, John Jackson tacked on the fourth and final Cottonmouths goal, the eventual game-winner.
In his second start behind the net since his return from the ECHL, goaltender Brandon Jaeger turned away 41 shots on 44 attempts improving his overall record to 6-3-0.
Text provided by official SPHL media release
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