Thunder Trade Burkemper to Toledo

The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s New York Islanders and AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, have traded rookie forward J.P. Burkemper to the Toledo Walleye in exchange for cash considerations, Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Rich Kromm announced Tuesday.
 
“Looking at the number of forwards we have, there’s not going to be a lot of opportunity to get guys into the line-up,” coach Kromm said. “This is a chance for him to go somewhere where they need some bodies and he can get a chance to play and continue to develop.”
 
Burkemper, 23, had played in 30 games for the Thunder in his first ECHL campaign, scoring five goals and adding three assists for a total of eight points. The St. Louis, Missouri native scored a goal and added an assist in his pro debut on November 14, against the Bakersfield Condors.
 
A 6’3” forward, Burkemper played college hockey at Minnesota State University-Mankato for three seasons, totaling 14 points in 51 games while dealing with injuries. He links up with defenseman and former college teammate Tyler Elbrecht in Toledo.
 
The Thunder return to action this weekend when they host the Utah Grizzlies on Friday and Saturday during the team’s fifth annual Covanta Energy Easy Being Green event. Local businesses and organizations will be on hand to educate fans about eco-friendly products and the first 1,000 fans, ages 18 and older, entering Stockton Arena will receive a free Easy Being Green tote bag. Both games start at 7:30 p.m. PST. For more information visit StocktonThunder.com.