Defenseman Pat Mayer played one game for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1987-88. He played an abrasive physical game and doled out many a punishing hit in college and the minors.
Born in Royal Oak, Michigan, Mayer spent three years at the US International University in San Diego, California. Undrafted by an NHL club, he agreed to turn pro with the IHL's Toledo Goaldiggers in 1985-86. Before the end of the season he was traded to the Muskegon Lumberjacks where he remained another year.
The burly rearguard signed with Pittsburgh in July, 1987 and made into one NHL game. He returned to the IHL for the balance of the schedule and led the league with 450 penalty minutes. Mayer retired in 1989 after playing most of the year in Muskegon. A late season trade to the LA Kings resulted in him spending the last month of his pro career with the AHL's New Haven Nighthawks.
