Snakes re-sign first players for 2012-13 season - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Snakes re-sign first players for 2012-13 season

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COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -

The 2012 SPHL-champion Columbus Cottonmouths have re-signed three players for the upcoming season as they look to defend their title.

Returning to the Snakes are forwards Daniel Amesbury, James Durham and Brett Hammond.

Enforcer Daniel Amesbury came to the Snakes in mid-December after eight games with the Danville Dashers of the Federal Hockey League. He made an early statement, with three fighting majors in his first game with the Cottonmouths. Amesbury finished the season with 34 major penalties in 35 games, leading the league in both penalty minutes (250) and major penalties (34.) He returns for his second professional season.

"Dan came in halfway through the season and had an immediate impact on the team and the crowd," head coach Jerome Bechard said. "He'll work on his hockey skills and continue be a physical presence in the league."

Durham was a very late acquisition for the Snakes, making the team's playoff roster having never played a game at the professional level. Durham recorded a goal and two assists in six playoff games for the Cottonmouths.

Prior to joining the Snakes, the Marilla, New York native played four seasons at Buffalo State of the SUNYAC conference, recording 47 points in 97 games.

"Jim was a great pickup for the playoffs," Bechard said. "He was a physical presence on the ice, and I expect him to be this season, too."

Hammond returns for his third season as a Cottonmouth. Hammond was placed on waivers on March 7, as the Cottonmouths were forced to make a roster move when Sam Bowles returned from the IR. Last season, the Minnesota native collected 25 points in 45 games. This will be the veteran's ninth professional season.

"Brett didn't have the year he wanted," Bechard said. "I didn't like how things ended for him last year, but he was a leader all the way down the stretch for us. With Will Barlow leaving, expect Brett to have a comeback year and be a big part of our team."

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