Cottonmouths re-sign defensemen Andy Willigar and Kyle Johnson

The Columbus Cottonmouths announced Tuesday the re-signing of two defensemen, Andy Willigar and Kyle Johnson.

Willigar scored 24 points (eight goals and 16 assists) last season. Coach Jerome Bechard said he expects Willigar to be one of the top defensemen in the SPHL after having a super breakout last year.

Johnson has played for the Cottonmouths for three seasons, the latest two as captain, He has scored 22 points, nine last season (one goal and eight assists). He finished plus 23 last season.

Bechard said Johnson "is the steadiest defenseman in the league, with a very strong presence in his own zone. We, at the Cottonmouths, are excited to have him back."

With the signing of those two, the Snakes have four players on the roster. The others are forwards Craig Simchuk and Patrick McCadden.

The Snakes have also invited forwards Chris rial and Andrew Kolb to training camp.

The Snakes open the 2015-16 season at home against Huntsville on Oct. 23.

This story was originally published August 25, 2015 at 4:41 PM with the headline "Cottonmouths re-sign defensemen Andy Willigar and Kyle Johnson ."