He played junior hockey for the Owen Sound Greys in 1924-25. He turned pro with the Niagara Falls Cataracts in 1926-27. In 1929-30 Burmister played his first NHL games for the New York Americans, with 40 games and a goal and an assist. He played in two more seasons for the Americans with a total of 67 games, 4 goals, and 3 assists. FRom 1932 to his retirement in 1939 Burmister played in the minor pros.