Dropping like flies
posted by Mike Boone at 14h32 EST on Sep 25
The Canadiens have announced 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.
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.
Comments
Submitted by Yeats on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 19:28.
I smell a big fat rat. Carbo is just trying to pull the groin over everyone's eyes. No pun intended!
Submitted by Moey on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 20:35.
Somebody posted earlier that Sid the kid was also out with a groin injury. Sounds like a conspiracy, any theories?
Submitted by HAB-PROFESSOR on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 20:45.
ask Bush.
Submitted by Big Bird on Fri, 09/26/2008 - 00:28.
Dubya is too busy fixing the financial crisis. ;-)
Submitted by No et al on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 19:05.
Robert - great article... I was under the impression that the Habs were the only NHL team able to draft from the Q (this is what I had been told by another Habs fan and had never questioned it).
Can't wait to share this information with him.
Submitted by vaya_ on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:43.
all i know is i'm loving the sk74-maxwell-maxpac line!
Submitted by showey47 on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:34.
I wonder if these groin injuries are some how tied to the possibility of poor ice at the habs practice facility. Lousy ice is probably the biggest cause of groin injuries. Just a theory
Submitted by mbplekfan on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 19:14.
Smaller venues always have better ice than the big arena's. NHL ice is among the worst ive had to skate on.
More than likely just resting everyday players through a stupid pre-season schedule.
Submitted by Kristopher7 on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:53.
Oh is this true? I didn't know bad ice could cause issues. Probably that Sportsplexe 4 Glalces, Halifax and Roberval rinks doing the damage. Time for some Bell Centre smooth ice tomorrow night ;) Hopefully nobody hurts or pulls anything here.
Submitted by HabFab on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:47.
Probably just bad ice period! CP's Bill Beacon's has Gui's,Langs and Tanguays injuries as hip problems.They seem to be getting hurt everywhere and everyplace.The count is up to 5 groins,3 hips,Saku's foot and Carle's bell.Sorry ,forgot Begin's hand from his fight..good thing he is not a sniper.
Submitted by TiltyMcTilt on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:42.
That is definately possible. I referee on the rink in Pierrefonds and it always has the worst ice.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:51.
Bell Center ice was new and horrible also.
Submitted by Robert L on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:31.
A must read for true Habs fans with intents of fending off Leafs blusters!
There is a popular myth, longstanding in fact, and more than likely perpetrated by decades of jealousy and frustration from other team's fans, that the Montreal Canadiens superiority from the early 1950's to the late 1970's was due to the simple notion that they had territorial rights to the province of Quebec's two or more of greatest hockey talents annually.
The myth has gained ground since the 1979 season, when end of the Canadiens last dynasty coincided with the passing of players signed or drafted in the 1960's.
Debunking The Habs French Canadian Territorial Rights Myth
http://wwwrealitycheckeyesontheprize.blogspot.com/2008/09/debunking-habs...
Submitted by twocents on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 22:54.
Robert, Thanks for putting all the facts of this issue together. I knew parts of it but not the full deal. It is sad what lengths loafnation will go to make themselves feel better about their sad reality.
Submitted by Robert L on Fri, 09/26/2008 - 07:58.
Perhaps if they focused on where their club went wrong since '67, they might have a clue to fixing it.
The big difference since that year, is that folks running the Leafs have been egotistical meglomaniacs, whereas those running the Habs have had a vested interest in hockey and Canadiens fans.
Submitted by TC on Fri, 09/26/2008 - 09:09.
If anybody cares about the Leafs, I highly recommend the book '67 by Damien Cox & Gord Stellick. If anybody wants to know the many reasons for the Leafs 40 plus year cup drought, you should read the book. By the way amongst the many reasons for the Leafs ineptitude highlighted in the book, one won't find any that blame the Montreal Canadiens.
For example, Cliff Fletcher was on the verge of signing Wayne Gretzky to the Leafs in the summer of 1996. Gretzky was even going to take a little less money to fulfill his long-held dream. Fletcher took the signing to Leafs ownership for approval. As Fletcher pleaded his case (how sad is that, even) he told ownership all the benefits of bringing Gretzky to Toronto. Steve Stavros, the owner at the time, found himself facing financial difficulties from his failing grocery business, and said no to the Gretzky signing. After all, why spend money on him, when the building already sells out. Gretzky went on to sign with the Rangers.
That is just one example in this superb book. In many respects the main reason for the Leafs losing ways can be put at the foot of ownership. Most of these men were involved in ventures that lost boatloads of money and used the Leafs profits to keep their own interests afloat.
None of them ever put the Leafs ahead of their own financial self-interest.
T.C.
tc.denault@habsworld.net
Submitted by twocents on Fri, 09/26/2008 - 08:40.
Robert, your absolutely right about the difference between the two hockey clubs. However, I will add one other factor to why loaf fans are so quick to jump on this lie of an excuse; the over 35 year old loafers have chips on their shoulder's the size of the CN Tower when it comes to all comparisons concerning Toronto and Montreal. They'll grasp at anything to try and feel superior.
Submitted by Devin_G7 on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 18:52.
great read, thanks
Submitted by Vecs on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 18:36.
haha,, that's awesome.
Submitted by showey47 on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:44.
I too constantly hear that the only reason won so many cups was because of the alleged territorial rights. I knew it was crap but we all know how stupid and stubborn laff fans are.
Submitted by Robert L on Fri, 09/26/2008 - 15:07.
The best remedy, is for our fans to the truth, and be able to do as Liam says and quote it "chapter and verse" to them.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:07.
The Hockey News Adam Proteau has Philadelphia in #1 spot and #2. Montreal Canadiens
Always-Look-On-The-Bright-Side Adam Says: While I work diligently with my team of attorneys to get my 2007-08 pre-season prediction for the Habs permanently sealed in the name of national security, allow me to sing the praises of this year’s edition: They’re fast, super-skilled, smart in their own zone and plutonium-level deadly with the man advantage. Still not completely convinced they’re built for the playoffs, but this is no one-year wonder we’re dealing with here.
Always-Assume-The-Worst Adam Says: For a team that needed a serious grit infusion last year, Georges Laraque may not be the entire answer. Also, will the white-hot hoopla of the Canadiens’ 100-year anniversary serve as motivation, or distraction?
Submitted by HabFab on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:54.
Interesting to see Ottawa falling to 9th place.Credibility issue with BRAD Richards preparing to captain the Flyers to an Eastern Championship.
Submitted by HabFab on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 20:51.
I was just at the THN site and see that someone there had spotted the BRAD Richards gaffe and he is once again Mike Richards,captain of the Flyers.Wonder if they are hiring proof readers? Alas, I would have to learn to spell.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:54.
Ottawa have sent Ryan Shannon, Josh Hennessy, Alex Nukinun and Ilya Zubov to Binghamton - AHL.
Submitted by phil on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:46.
Mayer will be back with the Seadogs for a chance to go to the memorial cup
Submitted by johnnyhab on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:34.
Please no more regular player's suiting up for the rest of the pre-season
Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:33.
First "can 'em" call of the season - fire the trainer :)
Submitted by New on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:25.
I think too much about the Habs:)
This is training camp. The players have minor injuries. Luckily all the injured are in great shape for this time of year so why risk aggravating the injury. A player with a roster spot, wanting to show the fans (six times in seven days) his best moves in a no meaning game, might think of his injury, favor his foot or groin, and get blindsided by some no mind looking to impress his potential coach.
Luckily this gives kids a chance to settle down and show what they can do 10 - 20 minutes a game, plus a chance to see how the team travels and comports itself.
Hopefully, with rest and light workouts, the Habs will all be ready to go at season's beginning.
Submitted by Fabio D on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:24.
I thought these guys had an off season regimen that kept them "in shape" and to prevent injuries from the summer rust?
Rather have thee players resting their "groins" now than in Mar/Apr when they are really needed.
Submitted by habsfansince91 on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:24.
i dont know if uguys noticed but kovy is still playing tomorrow night
Submitted by Les-Habitants on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:17.
Congrads to Mayer, he'll be down in the ECHL with Lacasse, or maybe even fight for the backup job in Hamilton.
As for the injuries...there is a reason why people differentiate between training and getting into game shape. These minor injuries are better to happen now, letting the veterans deal with them before hitting the ice. Everyone's going to be a little sore after their first couple of full contact games...it's normal. They'll be back at the start of the season and we'll be good to go...and this gives us a better look at our prospects.
Here's to hoping Mathieu Carle is ok.
Submitted by twocents on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:21.
An HIO poster spoke to him this morning on the street. Apparently he is fine and it wasn't nearly as bad as it looked.
Submitted by Les-Habitants on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:24.
Excellent to hear! He's going to be a big part of the Bulldog's success this season.
Submitted by cautiousoptimist on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 15:59.
I don't know whether to be terrified about all these authentic injuries or to applaud Carbo's savvy for fabricating them. Either way, the exhibition games are for the rookies more than anything else, and it looks like that's who we're gonna see for the next week or so. I'm fine with that, and I'm sure we'll be in fighting shape come the first game that counts for something.
1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat
2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."
Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 15:49.
Off topic, but I love it.
http://www.tsn.ca/olympics/story/?id=250666&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines...
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!
Submitted by Mike Boone on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:33.
Hey, it's Van.
I was hoping for "One toke over the line ..."
Submitted by Habfan in Canuckland on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 15:27.
Sorry gang - completely off topic but wondered if there were any other HIO folks out there interested in a mini summit for the Habs game against the Canucks in February. Since I have trouble logging in to the site, please feel free to contact me at joanrivett@shaw.ca
Submitted by Drew42 on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 19:52.
I would be interested in something like that if we can swing it.... I'm sure we wont be able to do anything as fancy as the summit in MTL but it could be fun! Keep me posted!
Submitted by Moey on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 15:23.
The real story is Captain K has been kicking a lot of butt to get them motivated for the upcoming season, that explains the foot and groin injuries.
Submitted by G-Man on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 17:18.
Ah, that's why his foot's broken. Tell him to wear his skates next time. :)
Gilbert
2008/09 is the season of the Habs
Submitted by saskhab on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 15:19.
If this were the regular season, they'd all be playing. Except Breezer.
Mathieu Carle actually has an injury. That's it. The rest were more than willing to model for the team's new jerseys. Were any of them limping or grimacing at all? Doubt it.
Submitted by Barts on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 15:16.
Notice they are all veterans... coincidence? I think not.
Submitted by Mr.Hazard on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 15:15.
Why is it only the roster players (okay, excluding Carle) getting injured? It could be worse though, (ie Gonchar), I mean it's still only the preseason. But still.
Ex nihilo nihil fit
Submitted by Bugs on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 15:08.
This had better be a ploy to lull the opposition into a false sense of security when the season gets started! Aw'ight?
In which case, it's an absolutely brilliant idea and further proof that the Montreal Canadiens have been chosen by the hockey-gods, who have blessed us with Savvy Supreme in the form of Mr.Bob Gainey.
Pretend they're all hurt so the fans can lick their chops with the kiddies budding in the wings (not to mix metaphors) but keep the others guessing. Mess'em up a bit. "Are they doing this?" - "Are they doing that?" - "Is he hurt?" - "Isn't he?" and then: SOCK-O, BLAM-O, ZING, POW! We're all here, buddy-boys! Guns are working fine! Catapults!! FIRE!!! Second volley!! FIRE!!!
Aaaaaall parta the plan.
(gulp)
Peace Out.
______________________________________________________
Lord Bugs Potter, esq. Earl of Fluppitburg, Baron of Flopshlupshire and Knight of the Flannel Republic.
Submitted by Thomas Le Fan on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 15:08.
Decimate? One in ten sounds like it would be an improvement.
Submitted by sidhu on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 15:06.
The Habs should no longer invite Chantal into the locker room
Submitted by fun police on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 15:00.
this is like bill belichick of the patriots who list half of his team on the injury report as questionable. this is preseason, the habs have high hopes, there is no way they want their stars injured, so they have "minor groin injuries".
Submitted by Steiner on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 14:55.
what the hell.
this is so irritating.
Submitted by RGM on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 14:54.
Makes you wonder if they all hurt themselves on that bike test. Pumping your legs full bore for 30 seconds with all that resistance may have contributed.
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Go Habs Go!
Submitted by Kaptain K on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 14:51.
Too much of a coincidence... Lets analyze:
Koivu has a "foot injury"
and then Kovy, laraque, Hamr and (brisebois) and now tanguay ALL HAVE groin injuries....i was sure something like this happened last year. I think Carbo thinks the youngsters on other teams are too dangerous and want to make an impression so for our top 5 most important players to play in exibition games is useless...
Hypothesis: Carbo being smart and instead of sidelineing them for no reason, saying its a "groin injury" so these players dont REALLY get injured.
Because the team hasnt said any of them will miss reg season games...so makes u think
(Oh and i know brisebois isnt a TOP player, but we all know his role so carbo doesnt need him to prove nething)
ANd if any of you guys say: well why hasnt he sidelined any of our other players who are important..well he cant do em all, and hes already got 6-7 not playing
Im not saying hes lying, just doesnt seem to make sense they all have the same injury, could be a ploy..?
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