Bakersfield Brings Back Burgdoerfer
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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors and Head Coach Matt O'Dette announced Friday that former Rensselaer standout Erik Burgdoerfer returns for his second full season in Condorstown, signing a contract for the 2011-12 season.
Burgdoerfer, 22, returns after posting a solid rookie season in 2010-11 in Bakersfield. The East Setauket, New York native rang up a pair of goals and 16 points with 50 penalty minutes last season, while leading the team with a +20 rating, which was the highest for the Condors since 2004-05. In the playoffs, Burgdoerfer also became one of only three rookie defenseman to score a post-season goal in Condors history.
The 6-2, 210-lb blueliner first made his pro debut with the Condors in 2009-10, appearing in three games late in the season after completing his collegiate career. In his four seasons at RPI, Burgdoerfer amassed 19 points (7g-12a) and 238 penalty minutes.
"I'm excited to come back for this season," said Burgdoerfer. "I look forward to seeing all the fans and repeating our division title. I talked to Coach O'Dette quite a few times this summer; he has a good vision and an idea of what kind of team he wants to have, and that's important. I think his plan is something we can all get behind."
What O'Dette has to say:
"We're very excited to have Erik back. He can play in all situations and the ceiling for him is very high; he has great potential. I think with a little bit of improvement he's going to be seriously considered for the American Hockey League."
