Steve Bernier (born March 31st, 1985 in Quebec City, Quebec) is a professional NHL ice hockey forward who plays for the San Jose Sharks. He was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. After the draft, many felt that Bernier was taken at too high a spot, considering his abysmal fitness tests, poor speed, and his reportedly bad attitude.
Junior Career
Bernie started his career with the Wildcats. In his rookie year, Bernier was fourth amongst QMJHL rookies and third on his team in scoring. Significantly, he led his team in goals. Due to all his accomplishments, Bernier was named to the All-Rookie Team. His best season came in the year before his draft, the 2002-03 season, where he scored 49 goals and had 101 points, along with 90 penalty minutes. A very streaky player, Bernier had an 11-game, an 8-game. and a 7-game scoring streak. Statistically finishing tenth in QMJHL scoring, he was also named to the CHL Second All-Star team and won the "MVP" award from Moncton as well as other awards. In the 2003 U-18 championships, Bernier had four goals and four assists in seven games, finishing second on the team in scoring behind Marc-Antoine Pouliot. Although Bernier put up impressive numbers, many scouts were concerned with his physical conditioning and skating ability. That did not stop the Sharks, however, from trading the 21st, 66th and 107th selections to move up the 16th spot to nab him. Following the draft, Bernier put himself on a new fitness regime and lost ten pounds of body fat. Bernier went on to play 2 more seasons with Moncton.
In 2003-2004, in 66 games, Bernier had 36 tallies and 46 assists as well as 80 penalty minutes, good for second on his team. Seeing as how Bernier's numbers this season were worst than his totals rookie year, Bernier was called a bust; many believed he had not gotten over his fitness problems. However, Bernier rounded out his game as ordered by San Jose, and became a strong two-way player. Importantly, Bernier became a more physical player and his team's leader. Showing his abilities in the clutch, Bernier had 7 goals and 10 assists in 20 playoff games, and this tied two other team mates for best on the team..
During the NHL lockout, Bernier was reportedly getting bored with Moncton and their stifling defensive system. Bernier hinted at playing in the new WHA, but he eventually returned to Moncton.
The following year in the QMJHL, Bernier's statistics dropped ever lower. The 2004-05 Wildcats team was very defensively oriented. In 68 games, Bernier tallied a relatively low 71 points (35 + 36) and had 114 penalty minutes. While Bernier's numbers suffered, he gained a wealth of knowledge on how to play the defensive side of the game. The apparent decline in Bernier's play caused him to fall off top prospect's lists. His increased penalty minute totals were blamed on him being too slow and out of shape to catch the opposition legally. Yet, none of these accusations were true, as Bernier developed his game even further. Significantly, Bernier led his team in points, with the second-leading scorer (Stephane Goulet) being 24 points back. This showed that if given better linemates, Bernier could produce more.
Soon after the conclusion of the playoffs, the Sharks signed Bernier to his first pro contract.
Pro Career
Bernier started his first pro season, 2005-06, with the Cleveland Barons, the Sharks' American Hockey League affiliate. After tallying an impressive 43 points in 49 games, the Sharks called Bernier up to the team. Disproving all myths about him, he has impressed in his rookie NHL campaign by scoring 14 goals and adding 13 assists in just his first 39 games, and he only had one point in his first ten games. Making highlight reels everywhere with a goal he scored against the St. Louis Blues on March 21st, Bernier is finally gaining respect in the media's eye . Bernier is showing the signs of developing into an elite power forward.
Career Statistics
Regular Season
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
2005-06 [[San Jose Sharks]] NHL 39 14 13 27 35
2006-07 [[San Jose Sharks]] NHL 13 03 07 10 0
NHL Totals 52 17 20 37 35
Contract
Bernier is on a three year entry-level contract worth US$3.55 million, which will expire in June 2008. This deal includes 850,000 in yearly salary as well as a one million dollar signing bonus.
Awards
- 2001-2002: QMJHL - All-Rookie Team
- 2002-2003: CHL - Second All-Star Team (Canadian Major Junior)
- 2002-2003: QMJHL - Second All-Star Team
- 2003-2004: QMJHL - Second All-Star Team