Maver his own agent for new pact

Rob Maver had no agent. Nor had he any burning desire to test out the Canadian Football League’s open market in February.

But what he did have was a hankering to remain in Calgary.

So, on his own, the punter sat down with Stampeders brass and hammered out an agreement that will keep him employed in these parts.

“It’s a good day,” Maver said Monday afternoon. “We got the deal done last week and it’s good to know where you’re going to be spending the next few years of your career. I’m really excited about the group of guys in the locker-room, the coaching staff. It’s really something that I wanted to be a part of. I’m really comfortable here in the city. I feel I have everything in place to help me be successful on and off the field.

“I’m really happy to continue my career here in Calgary.”

Maver pointed to, in particular, the relationships he has developed with specialteams co-ordinator Mark Kilam, kicker Rene Paredes, long-snapper Randy Chevrier, (free-agent) returner Larry Taylor.

“I want to continue to produce for the team that put a lot of faith in me by drafting me,” said Maver, the fifth overall pick, out of Guelph, in 2010. “Not at one point did I ever tell myself that I wanted to go to February. I wanted to get the deal done quickly.”

The fresh contract caps a remarkable year for the Brampton, Ont., native.

After a smashing 2010 campaign (during which the rookie led the CFL with 185 points), followed by a disheartening 2011 campaign (during which he played only once), Maver returned in 2012 to operate solely as a punter.

And all the 26-year-old did was earn CFL all-star honours at that position.

“I had an idea of where I could fit in,” Maver said. “Right now, in light of what happened this season and the new contract, you feel more confident and comfortable with your role. One thing I’m really happy about is being able to come back and contribute in a new role in a positive way. That’s the main thing I’m happy about.”

Maver led the circuit with a 36.2-yard net average. Only two punts, of his 112, were returned for more than 30 yards, which was a league-best, too.

“Rob had a very good season in his first year as a CFL punter and I look forward to seeing him build on his 2012 season,” Stamps boss John Hufnagel said in a statement. “The special teams were an essential component of the team’s success this past season and Rob was an important contributor to that success.”

A year-round resident of Calgary, Maver has no plans for off-season holidays.

Instead, he plans to train (he’s already started) — with zero deviation from his previous regimen.

“I’m going to go the same route I went last year,” said Maver. “I feel like I discovered the formula that helped turn around my career.”

NOTES: Bill Goods, a former member of the Stamps (1965-67), died Thursday at age 70 after a long fight with cancer.

The Drumheller native played fullback and, in 1967, also kicked for 70 points. He suited up for Saskatchewan (1968) and Edmonton (1969). Goods also served as an executive on the Stamps’ alumni association.