GREENVILLE, SC – The Greenville Road Warriors announced today that they have re-signed forwards Sean Berkstresser and Marc-Olivier Vallerand for the 2011-12 season.
Berkstresser, 29, returns to Greenville as one of the Road Warriors’ most experienced players. The 2011-12 season will be his fourth as a pro and he has logged 192 games in his career. The 6-0, 210-pound winger is coming off of a season that saw him produce 21 points (8G, 13A) and rack up 64 penalty minutes. Berkstresser experienced his first Kelly Cup Playoffs action last spring and skated in all 11 of Greenville’s playoff games. He notched four points (2G, 2A) in the playoffs including the winning goal in double overtime of Game Four of Greenville’s first round series against Elmira.
Click here for a video of Berkstresser’s goal.
In Vallerand the Road Warriors bring back their top goal scorer from last season. As a rookie he potted 28 goals which was tied for the most among league rookies. Vallerand was also a steady presence in Greenville’s lineup as he played in 70 of the team’s 72 games. Only T.J. Reynolds (71) played more. The 5-11, 195-pound winger was used often in special teams situations and was effective at putting up points in those instances. His seven power play goals were third most on the team and he led the Road Warriors, and all ECHL rookies, with four shorthanded tallies. Vallerand, 22, was a 2011 ECHL All Star and had three points (1G, 2A) in the All-Star Classic in Bakersfield. He is attending training camp with the American Hockey League‘s Saint John’s Ice Caps.
“Berkstresser’s leadership and experience will be a key part of our hockey club. He’s got some toughness to his game which is important, too. Vallerand is an solid two-way hockey player who is looking to build off of a good rookie season. I’m excited to have both of these guys back on the team,” said Road Warriors head coach Dean Stork.
Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors open the season at the BI-LO Center on October 14 at 7:35 p.m. against the Wheeling Nailers. Don’t miss a minute of action with the Road Warriors this season! 2011-12 season ticket packages and half-season ticket packages are on sale right now. Fans can call 864-674-PUCK (7825) to speak to a Road Warriors ticket representative. Season tickets start as low as $300 and can be reserved with a deposit of just $100.
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