Chiefs Strengthen Defense With Two Signings

Published on September 16, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Johnstown, Pa. - The Johnstown Chiefs, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets, and the AHL's Lake Erie Monsters and Syracuse Crunch, announced today that they have signed goaltender Kris Mayotte and re-signed defenseman Greg Gallagher.

"Both of these players will help make us a stronger team defensively. Greg is a steady and reliable defender who doesn't make many mistakes, and we're glad to have him back this season. Kris is a talented goalie who will compete hard every night and give us a chance to win." said Chiefs head coach Ian Herbers.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mayotte is entering his third full season of professional hockey. He has already had a busy offseason as he was originally sent by the Fresno Falcons to Pensacola on June 17 to complete a trade from February 26. With Pensacola ceasing operations, Mayotte became a free agent and will now lace up the pads for the Chiefs.

Kris, 25 years old, is coming off of his best professional season in 2007-08. He posted an 18-9-4 record for Fresno last year, and helped the Falcons to the second-best record in the National Conference. He also held an impressive save percentage of .901 and a 2.97 goals against average. Prior to his first full season in the pros, Mayotte was signed by the Colorado Avalanche in September of 2006. He went on to play that season with the Arizona Sundogs of the CHL where he had a 13-11-2 record with a 3.49 goals against average and an .887 save percentage.

Prior to turning pro, Mayotte played four seasons at Union College and had a career record of 46-52-13, a 2.69 GAA, a .907 save percentage, and 10 shutouts.

Gallagher, 24, returns to Johnstown for the 2008-09 season. He was initially claimed off waivers from the Pensacola Ice Pilots on December 27, 2007. The Hobart College product went on to play in 45 games for the Chiefs and scored nine points on two goals and seven assists. His strong defensive play also earned him a plus-14 rating which was third-highest on the team. In six Kelly Cup Playoff games in 2008, Gallagher had two assists.

A native of Framingham, Massachusetts, Gallagher began his pro career with 22 games with the Cincinnati Cyclones, and 34 games with Knoxville of the Southern Professional Hockey League, in 2006-07. For his career, Gallagher has five goals, 19 assists, 24 points, and 46 penalty minutes.

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