Condors bring back Burgdoerfer, add Yale standout Martin
Bakersfield, Calif. – The Bakersfield Condors and Head Coach Matt O’Dette have introduced two new signings for the 2011-12 season. D Erik Burgdoerfer (BERG-dorf-er) returns for his second full season in Condorstown, while rookie D Jimmy Martin joins the fold.
Burgdoerfer, 22, returns to Condorstown for his second full season, 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (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.”
Martin, who turns 24 in October, enters his first full season in the pro ranks after making his debut late last season with the Reading Royals. 
The Yale grad left college tied for the school’s all-time lead in games played, at 138. His jump to the pros followed a stellar senior season that saw him lead all Yale blueliners in goals, assists and points, while being named a 2nd Team All-Ivy Selection and serving as team captain. Martin was also placed on the ECAC All-Tournament team en route to the second ECAC championship of his four-year tenure at Yale. The St. Louis native was a two-time All-Academic Team selection.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Bakersfield,” said Martin. “I’m pumped to be going to a team with a great history and, from everything I hear, a terrific fan base and organization. I didn’t think when I first started playing years ago that I’d get the opportunity to play professionally, but to get through a great college program and now to join a first class organization like the Condors is quite a thrill.”
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. Jimmy is another player we’re very excited about. he’s got tremendous skill and can move the puck. He has a great work ethic, he was a team captain, he competes extremely hard and he works hard off the ice as well. He’s going to be a big part of our defense.”
The Condors now have four players under contract for the 2011-12 season, with today’s pair joining RW Hans Benson and F Michael Gergen.
In Case You Missed It The Condors announced the first part of their promotional lineup, featuring visits from Star Wars characters, Captain America, Yo Gabba Gabba and Vancouver’s The Green Men, as well as dates for Teddy Bear Toss and Field Trip Day, among others. Check it out here!
Get Tickets:The Condors home opener is just 57 days away, when the Colorado Eagles come to town on Saturday, Oct. 15. Game time is 7 p.m. Ticket packages for the 2011-12 season are now on sale, starting at just $48. The Condors will battle the rival Stockton Thunder in Bakersfield in preseason action on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Visit www.BakersfieldCondors.com or call 324-PUCK(7825) for more information.
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