Steve Bozek, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, embarked on his NHL journey after being drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the third round of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. Born on November 26, 1960, in Kelowna, British Columbia, Bozek honed his skills at Northern Michigan University, where he played college hockey before making the leap to the professional ranks.
Bozek's NHL career began with the Los Angeles Kings during the 1981-82 season. In his rookie season, he quickly demonstrated his scoring ability, netting 33 goals and adding 19 assists for a total of 52 points. His performance earned him a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team, highlighting his potential as a valuable forward. Bozek's knack for finding the back of the net was evident, and he became a reliable offensive presence for the Kings.
After three seasons with Los Angeles, Bozek was traded to the Calgary Flames in 1984. During his time with the Flames, he continued to contribute offensively, though his goal-scoring numbers dipped compared to his rookie season. Bozek played a role in the Flames' journey to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1986, where they ultimately fell to the Montreal Canadiens. His tenure with Calgary lasted until 1987, when he was traded to the St. Louis Blues.
Bozek's stint with the Blues saw him play a more defensive role, adapting his game to fit the team's needs. While his offensive production decreased, he remained a steady presence on the ice. In 1988, Bozek was traded to the Vancouver Canucks, where he spent the next two seasons. His time in Vancouver was marked by consistent play, though he never quite recaptured the scoring touch of his early career.
In 1990, Bozek signed with the San Jose Sharks, an expansion team entering the NHL. As a veteran player, he brought experience to the young franchise, helping to guide the team through its inaugural season. Bozek played two seasons with the Sharks before retiring from professional hockey in 1992.
Throughout his NHL career, Steve Bozek played in 641 regular-season games, scoring 164 goals and 167 assists for a total of 331 points.
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