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Steve Bernier

Born:Mar 31, 1985Draft: 2003 Sharks, 16th Overall
Hometown:Quebec City, QuebecPosition:Right Wing
Known For:U18 WJC Gold MedalShoots:Right
National Team:CanadaCurrent Status:Retired

Steve Bernier (born March 31, 1985) is a former Canadian ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the New York Islanders during the 2017-2018 season. Drafted 26th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Bernier returned to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for two more seasons, opting to finish his commitment to the Moncton Wildcats before making the jump to the NHL. In his first two seasons with San Jose, he split his time with the Sharks and their minor-league affiliate. He couldn’t quite recapture his junior scoring touch, leading up to his trade out of San Jose during the 2007-08 season. Dealt to the Buffalo Sabres, along with a first-round pick that became Tyler Ennis, for Brian Campbell and a seventh-round pick, his time in Buffalo lasted just 17 games.

During the summer of 2008, Bernier was a restricted free agent and Buffalo opted to trade him to the Vancouver Canucks. He appeared in two seasons with the Canucks, registering career highs in assists and points during the 2008-09 season. Slated to be a top-lane player at the start of the following season, Bernier couldn’t mesh well enough with the Sedin twins, eventually sliding down the lineup and used as a third-line player. Despite his efforts, he was traded the following summer to the Florida Panthers in a package including Michael Grabner and a 2010 first-round pick for Keith Ballard and Victor Oreskovich.

Steve Bernier New York Islanders
Steve Bernier, New York Islanders (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

After one year with the Panthers, Bernier found himself a stable home with the New Jersey Devils, where he saw varied results in four seasons. While his second and third seasons were limited due to injuries and on-ice struggles, he still managed to tie his career-high in points when he amassed 32 points in 67 games. Bernier joined the Islanders for the 2015-16 season but his inability to keep up with the NHL speed reduced him to an AHL role, where he spent the final three seasons of his hockey career, serving as one of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers’ alternate captains.

Steve Bernier Statistics

Deeper Dive

Staff History

  • Côte-du-Sud Everest, QJHL (Skills Coach) 2021-current
  • Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL (Director of Player Development) 2021-current

Achievements

  • QMAAA Prospect Award (2001)
  • QMJHL All-Rookie Team
  • CHL Second All-Star Team (2003)
  • CHL Top Prospects Game (2003)
  • 2x QMJHL Second All-Star Team (2003, 2004)
  • U18 WJC Gold Medal (2003)

Sources