INCH's A to Z: Air Force's Derrick Burnett

INCH's A to Z:  Air Force's Derrick Burnett

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DERRICK BURNETT
Air Force
Sr | F | Corona, Calif.

Key Statistics: Derrick Burnett has enjoyed a solid collegiate career, amassing 25 goals and 83 points in three seasons, so 100 points is not out of the question. Last season he ranked second on the team in goals (10) and points (33), helping set up former Hobey Baker candidate Jacques Lamoureux (22-20-42). Burnett had eight goals and 24 points during his sophomore season. He posted seven goals and 26 points as a freshman. Despite a plus-minus rating of minus-1 last season, Burnett has a career mark of plus-16. He’s averaging 14 penalties a season. Burnett scored a goal in three of the Falcons’ final four games last season, and had points in each.

What He Does: Burnett hasn’t scored a lot of goals, but he has certainly scored important ones. He scored against Miami in the 2008 NCAA tournament. He scored first against Michigan in the 2009 NCAA upset win. Tied at 2-2 in a 2010 playoff opener with Army, his clever pass to Lamoureux produced the game-winner, and he made extra effort to add an empty netter. Air Force coach Frank Serratore said he was one of his top two most versatile players last season, showing strong offensive skills and the grit and toughness to play defense on the penalty kill and in late-game situations. “He will take a puck in the ankle to win,” Serratore said. Burnett readily admits he is not the fastest skater, but he makes up for it with good hockey sense and anticipation.

The Bigger Picture: Burnett and Lamoureux are going to be partnered again, and Serratore says he’s looking for a third guy who will be a good forechecker. “This year we will have a first line and maybe three second lines,” Serratore said. Burnett will skate on the top power play unit and will see plenty of ice time.

Air Force coach Frank Serratore on Burnett: “He’s got a little bit of the laid-back Californian in him. That laid-back calm that Californian guys bring sometimes … they seem to be able to do their thing under pressure because of that nature. I have a lot of respect for him. He’s ready to have a great year.”