Dogs Pick Highly-touted Swiss Goalie In Import Draft

SAINT JOHN, June 27, 2007 - A top-ranked goaltender which one respected scouting organization describes as an NHL star in the making became the Saint John Sea Dogs choice at the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) import draft today.
Swiss backstop Robert Mayer, 6'0 and 189 pounds, played last season at both the junior and professional levels for EHC Kloten Flyers in Switzerland. The 17-year-old's star rose significantly at the Under-18 World Championships this past April in Finland where he was named the best goaltender in the tournament.
The Sea Dogs had the 3rd pick overall in the import draft.
Jacques Beaulieu, general manager and head coach of the Sea Dogs, said he is thrilled to have Mayer in the fold.
"We worked very hard for this pick," he said. "We actually brought Robert in to see the city and to see the organization. We have added a lot of depth in our goaltending and we feel strongly that Robert is going to be a high NHL pick and is going to play a lot of games for us over the next couple of years."
Mayer's agent, Scott Russell, said his client is "extremely excited" about coming to both the CHL and the Sea Dogs, particularly with 2007-2008 being his NHL draft year.
"He's a very unique, special player," said Russell. "The fans are going to absolutely love this kid. He's highly-focused and he knows what he has to do this coming year."
At the World Under-18's, Mayer turned heads with a stunning 92.41 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.17 in five games played. He was named player of the game in a win against Sweden and was selected most valuable player of the tournament for Team Switzerland.
The scouting review, Red Line Report, is eloquent in its praise of Mayer, using such phrases as "very complete" and "very composed."
"This fabulous underage goaltender was easily the best goalie at the World U-18s and would be a top eight overall pick if available to the NHL this year (2007 NHL entry draft)," stated Red Line.
The addition of Mayer to the Sea Dogs goaltending tandem comes in the wake of several other high-profile off-season signings. Defenceman Simon Despr�s and forward Steven Anthony were considered the top-two picks at the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) draft held earlier this month in Drummondville, QC.
Wayne Long, president of the Sea Dogs, said the adding of Mayer to the hockey club "shows our commitment to winning. The excitement in the city continues to build which is being demonstrated by the growing interest in season tickets for next year."