(Team Press Release) The New Mexico Scorpions have re-signed defenseman Vladimir Hartinger. This will be Hartingers fifth season wearing the Scorpions uniform. Last season Hartinger played in 78 games, including the playoffs, collecting 37 points (6G, 31A) and amassing 124 penalty minutes. During the regular season, the 27-year-old was fourth on the team with a +12 plus/minus rating.
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I am happy to be back with the Scorpions, said Hartinger. With my wife and her family being from the area, this is home to me and it is exciting to play for my hometown team.
Hartinger spent most of the season paired with Aaron MacInnis as the Scorpions top defensive partners. They were often given the assignment of shutting down the oppositions top line.
Vladi was one of our top performers last season and we hope this season he will elevate his game to become one of the leagues elite defensemen, said Scorpions head coach Ray Edwards. We appreciate the loyalty Vladi has shown to the Scorpions organization and are excited he will be in our uniform next season.
Hartinger has played 191 games for the Scorps, sixth most in franchise history. He is only eight games behind current Scorpions assistant coach Randy Murphy for the fifth spot on the coveted list.
Edwards has also been in contact with several players that played for the 2006-07 Southwest Division champions last season. Edwards and the Scorpions organization expect to announce more player signings, with familiar names, in the coming weeks.