Published: January 09, 2009 12:03 am      

Chiefs' Mayotte headed to Syracuse

The injury-plagued Columbus Blue Jackets’ situation has translated into an opportunity for Johnstown Chiefs all-star goaltender Kris Mayotte.

Blue Jackets backup goalie Pascal Leclaire is down with an ankle injury. That led to Syracuse Crunch netminder Dan LacCosta’s promotion to the NHL.

In turn, Pittsburgh native Mayotte was summoned to the American Hockey League, where he signed a professional tryout agreement with the Crunch.

“I got a call from Coach (Ian) Herbers when I was at home,” Mayotte said Thursday, as he traveled to Syracuse. “I thought he was playing a joke on me. He said he got me some new sticks. I said, ‘Awesome.’ Then he said, ‘You’ve got to go to Syracuse to get them.’ Hopefully I will see some action and show them I can play at this level then we’ll go from there.”

Mayotte, 25, is 14-5-2 with a 2.68 goals against average and .913 save percentage. He was voted an ECHL All-Star Game starter for the Jan. 21 event in Reading. He previously appeared in one AHL game with Lowell during the 2005-06 season.

“It’s an opportunity for Kris to make himself a name at the American League level,” Herbers said.

The Chiefs will rely on goaltender Ian Keserich, who has six wins. A prospect in the Colorado Avalanche organization, Keserich began the season as the Chiefs’ No. 1 goalie before missing time with a toe injury.

“We feel very comfortable with Keserich,” Herbers said. “He had a very good week of practice. We expect him to step in and do the job.”

Bishop McCort graduate Chris Cuppett will serve as the emergency backup for a pair of games at Elmira this weekend.

Additionally, the Lake Erie Monsters recalled Chiefs defenseman David Schulz to the AHL.

“Lake Erie has a defenseman injured,” Herbers said. “Dave is a big, solid defenseman. He skates well. He makes a good first pass. It will be a good chance for him.”