Monday, November 21, 2011

Former Viper Forward Greg Beller Injured In Cottonmouths Debut:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Greg Beller was injured in his Columbus Cottonmouths debut last weekend. Beller who is with his third team this season (Idaho, Augusta and now Columbus) took a puck to the face in last Saturdays game vs Knoxville. Beller signed a three game tryout with the Cottonmouths back on November, 12th 2011

Beller played one season in Vernon (2007-08) playing in 23 regular season games collecting (10-10-20). Beller left Yale University during the 2007-08 season joining the Vernon Vipers midway through the regular season.

This is posted on the Cottonmouths website:

Date: Nov 15, 2011

Snakes' Injured Player Returns to Columbus

Columbus Cottonmouths forward Greg Beller arrived back in Columbus Monday afternoon after spending two nights at the UT Medical Center following an incident in Saturday night’s game.

In the second period, Beller was struck in the face with a puck. He rushed off the ice immediately for medical assistance.

Team physicians who were on hand at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum quickly evaluated Greg and assisted him in getting to the UT Medical Center Emergency Room. Staff at the UT Medical Center ER admitted him and he was scheduled for surgery following day.

Sunday morning, the Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons at UT Medical Center repaired Beller’s jaw, which was severely fractured. Beller and Snakes’ trainer Hannah Peterson returned to Columbus Monday. Greg is expected to be out six to eight weeks. He is in good spirits and he, along with all members of the Cottonmouths organization, are extremely overwhelmed and appreciative of the concern and support from fans, especially those in Knoxville, over the last couple days.

“I can’t say enough about the people of Knoxville,” head coach and general manager Jerome Bechard said. “We’ve received numerous calls, emails and facebook messages from fans in Knoxville, as well as other teams around the league. It’s great to build rivalries on the ice and among fans, but it’s amazing to watch everyone forget about all of that instantly and come together when a player gets injured.

Knoxville’s administrative staff and owners went out of their way to make sure that Greg and Hannah were taken care of after we had to leave them behind Saturday night. On behalf of our owners, Wanda and Shelby, as well as our front office staff and players, I’d personally like to thank the UT medical staff, and the Ice Bears’ team physicians fans and staff who have tended to and expressed their concern for Greg. It’s an unfortunate accident but his spirits are high and we look forward to him rebounding from this and joining us on the ice again in a few months.”

The Snakes host a pair of home games this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19. There will be a jersey auction following the game Saturday, as well as a post-game party at Illusions on Veterans Parkway. Fans are asked to bring canned food items to both games. Game time is 7:30 pm.

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