Stahl first came to Columbus in 2000 when the Snakes were members of the Central Hockey League. He posted 19 points in 67 games in 2000-2001, before spending the next three seasons with various teams in the ECHL and CHL. He returned to the Cottonmouths in 2004, when the team joined the newly formed Southern Professional Hockey League. Stahl was elected team captain in 2004, a position he still holds today. He is just the fourth team captain in the Cottonmouths' 13-year history.

In the past four seasons (2004-2008), Stahl has recorded 113 points in 197 games, and led his team to both the inaugural President's Cup league championship in 2004-05, and the Commissioner's Cup regular season championship in 2006-07.

"Craig is someone you always want around," head coach Jerome Bechard said. "He's constantly the hardest worker and a great role model for the young guys who come to play in Columbus. He's been to NHL training camps and played in numerous cities and leagues, and that alone is a great asset to our organization in that he can relate his experiences to our players. He has a home here, is vested in the community, and cares about what happens in the city of Columbus."