Chad Rycroft

Chad Rycroft (b. Septmeber 7, 1978 Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada) is a professional ice hockey goalie.

Rycroft played college hockey for the Augustana University Vikings of the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference (ACAC).

Rycroft signed with his first Professional team the Columbus Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) in 2004 and played between the pipes for the Snakes' first three years in the SPHL. He began his rookie season in the shadow of the more experienced Terry Friesen, but injuries propelled him into the spotlight late in the season.

Friesen's nagging injuries put Rycroft in goal for the final 12 regular-season games and all of the 2004-2005 playoffs. Rycroft sparkled as the Snakes cruised to a 5-0 playoff record and the league's inaugural President's Cup.

In the pressure-packed playoff schedule which included a winner-take-all game in Fayetteville and the team's first-ever win in Knoxville, Rycroft allowed only nine goals, posting a minuscule 1.71 goals-against average.

Rycroft finished his rookie season eighth among the league's goaltenders with a 3.51 regular-season average. He improved to 2.90 the next year, finishing second to Huntsville's Matt Carmichael. His final season saw Rycroft earn honors as the league's goaltender of the year, finishing on top of the heap with a 3.11 average.

Since leaving the Snakes for his native Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada, Rycroft entered the work force as a well tester in the oil fields. His job involved a great deal of travel as did playing senior hockey.

After changes in his personal circumstances paved the way for his return, Rycroft returns to the Snake Pit as Cottonmouths's top goalie.

He played with Columbus until 2010.