Steve Bernier, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, embarked on his NHL journey after being drafted 16th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. His professional career began in earnest during the 2005-2006 season when he joined the Sharks. Bernier quickly demonstrated his potential as a right winger, contributing to the team's offensive efforts with his physical play and scoring ability.
During his time with the Sharks, Bernier played a total of 177 games, scoring 43 goals and providing 49 assists. His performance caught the attention of other teams, and in February 2008, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres. His stint with the Sabres was brief, lasting only 17 games, but he managed to score 9 points, including 3 goals.
The following season, Bernier found himself on the move again, this time to the Vancouver Canucks. With the Canucks, he played two seasons, appearing in 142 games and tallying 32 goals and 31 assists. His time in Vancouver was marked by his role as a power forward, where he used his size and strength to his advantage, particularly in front of the net.
In 2010, Bernier was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he played for one season. His tenure with the Panthers was challenging, as he struggled to find the back of the net, scoring only 5 goals in 68 games. Despite the difficulties, he continued to be a physical presence on the ice.
Bernier's career took another turn when he signed with the New Jersey Devils in 2011. His time with the Devils proved to be one of the more stable periods of his career. Over four seasons, he played 216 games, scoring 28 goals and adding 32 assists. Bernier was part of the Devils' roster during their run to the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Kings.
After his stint with the Devils, Bernier signed with the New York Islanders for the 2015-2016 season. However, his time with the Islanders was limited, as he played only 24 games and recorded 6 points. He returned to the Devils organization the following year, spending most of his time with their AHL affiliate, the Albany Devils, before retiring from professional hockey in 2018.
Throughout his career, Bernier was known for his physical style of play and his ability to contribute offensively when needed.
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