THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ATLANTA -- Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec is returning to Atlanta after the restricted free agent re-signed with the team.

The 22-year-old Pavelec signed a two-year deal and is expected to share the position with Chris Mason, who signed with Atlanta as a free agent.

Pavelec was 14-18-7 with a 3.29 goals-against average and two shutouts in 42 games last season. He was also a member of the Czech Republic Olympic team at this year's Vancouver Games.