Steven Kampfer, an American professional ice hockey defenseman, played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams over the course of his career. Born on September 24, 1988, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Kampfer developed his skills in his hometown before advancing to higher levels of competition. He attended the University of Michigan, where he played college hockey for the Wolverines, honing his abilities and gaining attention from NHL scouts.
Kampfer was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the fourth round, 93rd overall, of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. However, he never played for the Ducks, as his rights were traded to the Boston Bruins in March 2010. This trade marked the beginning of his professional career in the NHL. Kampfer made his NHL debut with the Bruins during the 2010-2011 season, appearing in 38 games and recording 10 points. Although he did not play in the playoffs, he was part of the Bruins' organization when they won the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Following his initial stint with the Bruins, Kampfer was traded to the Minnesota Wild in February 2012. His time with the Wild was brief, as he spent most of it playing for their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Houston Aeros. Kampfer's NHL appearances with the Wild were limited, and he continued to split his time between the NHL and AHL.
In 2014, Kampfer signed with the Florida Panthers, where he played parts of two seasons. During his tenure with the Panthers, he continued to oscillate between the NHL and the AHL, playing for the San Antonio Rampage and later the Portland Pirates, the Panthers' AHL affiliates at the time.
Kampfer returned to the Boston Bruins in 2018 after being traded from the New York Rangers, where he had a brief stint. This second period with the Bruins saw him contribute more consistently at the NHL level. He played a role in the Bruins' run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2019, appearing in several playoff games and scoring a goal in the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Throughout his career, Kampfer was known for his defensive capabilities and his ability to step into the lineup when needed. His journey through various teams and leagues demonstrated his perseverance and adaptability as a professional athlete. Despite facing challenges and transitions, Kampfer maintained his presence in the professional hockey world over the years.
In addition to his NHL career, Kampfer also played internationally. He represented the United States at the 2021 IIHF World Championship, where he helped the team secure a bronze medal. This experience added an international dimension to his career, showcasing his skills on a global stage.
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