Laval Rocket goaltender heading to Germany for the upcoming season.
The Augsburger Panthers recently announced signing goaltender Strauss Mann to a one-year contract.
"We have been looking at various goalies over the last few weeks and have finally decided on Strauss Mann. His style of play is predestined for the large ice surface, which he has already demonstrated in college, in Sweden and for Team USA. We have scouted Strauss intensively and also obtained many reports from general managers and his goalie coaches," sporting director Larry Mitchell declared via statement.
Mann joined the Laval Rocket on a one-way American Hockey League (AHL) contract for the 2023-24 season after splitting the previous season between the AHL and the ECHL in the San Jose Sharks organization.
The 25-year-old began the year forming a tandem with rookie Jakub Dobes. The inexperienced duo struggled immensely to start the season and the tipping point was on December 16th when the Hershey Bears embarrassed the Rocket with a 7-1 victory. That afternoon, Mann allowed seven goals on 35 shots.
The following day, the team signed Kasimir Kaskisuo to a professional tryout contract and Mann spent the balance of the season between the AHL and ECHL. The Connecticut native obtained one more start in Laval and 11 with the Trois-Rivieres Lions to close out the year.
The highlight of the goalie's tenure came on October 18th at Place Bell when the Rochester Americans were in town. The Americans were on the power play as Mann made a save during a delayed penalty call coming to the Rocket, when his future teammate Filip Cederqvist attempted a pass in the slot that went through everyone, crossed the length of the ice and ended up in the back of the vacant net. Mann was credited with the shorthanded goal for being the last player to touch the puck before going in.
Be sure to bookmark THN.com/Montreal for year-round coverage of the Montreal Canadiens, Laval Rocket, and Habs prospects playing in leagues around the world.
