Columbus franchise future in jeopardy as new ownership is sought

COLUMBUS, GA – The longest running professional sports franchise in Columbus is on the market.

“If new ownership can’t be found by May 1, the Columbus Cottonmouths are prepared to cease operations,” owner Wanda Amos said Thursday. Amos has been looking for a buyer since December.

“I have loved it and this started with wanting to do something for the community,” said Amos, who along with her husband Shelby has owned the team for 17 years. “But there comes a time when this is not smart business anymore.” The Cottonmouths have lost money every year the team has been in operation, some years with losses topping six figures.

In a recent letter from the team’s general manager Jerome Bechard, season ticket holders were informed of the franchise’s decision. “We didn’t want to wait until June and then pull the rug out from under everyone,” he said.

Bechard has faith that new ownership can be found. “We have a couple of people that are possibly interested,” he stated. “I am confident that we mean enough to this community that I can find some people with the same passion for the community, for hockey, and for the people that Wanda and Shelby have. I think this could be a very positive thing. There is a lot of change going on. The Civic Center has a new director and there is a lot of opportunity to do things differently and do things better.”

“I have told Jerome if he can find someone locally, that would be great,” Amos said. “But we have done this for 17 years and have raised more than $1 million for local charities, not counting what we have done to keep team here. This has been a hard decision. We have done everything we know to do, but in the end this has never been about making money.”

Another factor in the decision was the Jan. 19 team bus crash outside Peoria, Ill., in which several players suffered serious injuries.

“That has been the most stressful thing for me,” Amos said. “I think a lot about what happened to my players. And it is far from over because we still have players hurt.”

“I can’t begin to say how good of stewards they have been for the Columbus Cottonmouths organization,” Bechard said this week. “They have been able to keep us in the community and be involved in all types of activities within the community. You know what? They have allowed us to be here for 17 years and I can’t say how much they have poured into this organization emotionally. It has been awesome.”

Amos’ decision will not impact the remainder of this season, Bechard said. The news comes as the team is pushing for a SPHL playoff spot. The Cottonmouths are currently in ninth place with a 14-23 record, and the top eight teams make the playoffs.

Part of the reason for notifying people now of the Amoses’ decision to sell the team is that season tickets for next season will go on sale Monday. The team is requiring no deposit until June 1. “We are taking renewals to not only secure your seats for the upcoming season, but to prove to the community and potential investors that we have a strong fan base to build on,” Bechard stated.

The decision is difficult for Bechard on a personal level because he has been with the organization since its inception. But Bechard remains optimistic.

“This could be a whole new era of Columbus Cottonmouths hockey,” he said. “I feel quite confident that something positive is going to happen.”