Career
He is currently playing for KalPa of the Finnish Liiga. Birner was drafted 116th overall in the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Saint Louis Blues. Prior to being drafted in the National Hockey League, Birner was a CHL Import DraftBarrie Colts 1st Round(8th) 2004
On December 15, 2007, the Blues traded Birner, along with Doug Weight and a 7th round draft choice to the Anaheim Ducks for Andy McDonald.
Birner was assigned to the Ducks affiliate, the Portland Pirates where he remained for the rest of the 2007-2008 season.
Birner started the 2008-2009 season with the Iowa Chops before he was assigned to ECHL affiliate the Bakersfield Condors on November 20, 2008. Birner didn"t report to the Condors and returned to Europe to play in the Finnish Master of Science-liiga with Pelicans on November 27, 2008.
Birner"s season was cut short as he suffered a fractured hand after playing in only 6 games. On July 7, 2009, Birner was signed by TPS for the 2009-2010 season.
After two seasons with The Human Context Lev Prague of the Kontinental Hockey League, with the team unable to offer him a new contract due to financial bankruptcy, Birner returned to continue his professional career in Finland, joining his third Liiga club KalPa on a one-year deal on July 15, 2014.