Mayotte Remains with Chiefs

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – The Johnstown Chiefs announced today that they have re-signed all-star goalie Kris Mayotte for the 2009-10 season.

“Obviously, solid goaltending is the cornerstone of any successful hockey team. Kris Mayotte has proven to be an all-star caliber goalie that can carry a huge workload. He has the confidence of the guys which allows them to focus on their own roles. Not only is he a great player, but he's a great person and teammate. We couldn't be more pleased to have Kris back in Johnstown,” said Chiefs vice president and general manager Bill Bredin.

A native of Pittsburgh, Mayotte returned to play full time on the eastern side of the country last season for the first time since 2005-06, his senior season in college. He turned out to be a big signing for the Chiefs as he won each of his first three starts of 2008-09, won ECHL Goalie of the Week honors twice, and was named the starter for the American Conference at the ECHL All-Star Game in Reading. Mayotte used his success in Johnstown to earn three different call-ups to the American Hockey League. He saw action with the Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears (1-1-1, 3.84 GAA, .843 SVP) and Bridgeport Sound Tigers (2-1-0, 3.17 GAA, .880 SVP). Mayotte was also called up by the Syracuse Crunch but did not play in a game.

“I am excited to come back to Johnstown this season. There is a good group of guys coming back from last season, and we feel like we left a lot on the table last year. It’s going to be good to get to work with everyone this season and try to win the Kelly Cup,” said Mayotte.

The 26-year-old goaltender enters his fourth professional season after setting three career-high marks with the Chiefs last season. He posted the most wins (20), best goals-against average (2.87), and save percentage (.908) of his pro career. Prior to donning the black and gold, Mayotte tended the net in the ECHL for the Fresno Falcons (2007-08) and as a rookie in the CHL for the Arizona Sundogs (2006-07).

After winning the Clark Cup as champions of the USHL with Sioux City in 2001-02, Mayotte went to Union College to continue his hockey career where he compiled 46-52-12 record. As a senior Mayotte stood out with 16 wins, a 2.33 goals-against average, a .918 save percentage, and 985 saves for the Skating Dutchmen.

Mayotte becomes the 13th Chief under contract for 2009-10. He joins Jim Jorgensen, Brent Patry, Torren Delforte, Jozef Sladok, Erik Felde, Matt Robinson, Sean Berkstresser, David Schulz, Ryan Menei, Greg Gallagher, Mike Knight, and Kyle Bushee.