Canadiens Ink Goalie Robert Mayer

[Thrillhouse]

MONTREAL -- Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced Thursday the signing of free agent goaltender Robert Mayer to a three-year contract (2008-09 to 2010-11).

A native of Havirov, Czech Republic, Mayer is one of six goaltenders currently attending the Canadiens’ training camp. He was invited at the Canadiens’ rookie camp on a try-out basis and also participated in the team’s development camp last July.

Mayer, 19, is a member of the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL. He played in two games so far this season (1-1-0) and posted a .929 save percentage. In 2007-08, he played in 32 games with Saint John, posted a 16-11-0 record, a 3.77 goals-against average and a .877 save percentage, along with two shutouts.

An athlete with a dual citizenship (Swiss/Czech Republic), Mayer represented the Swiss National Team at the 2008 World Junior Championship presented in the Czech Republic. He posted a 1-4-0 record, a 3.17 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage.