Up in Bridgeport where many of the Islanders future players work to mature their play, there is one veteran Sound Tiger who is just looking to keep his career going by playing the game he loves. Steve Bernier last appeared in the NHL during the 2017-2018 season, playing in four games for the New York Islanders.
But the Quebec native, who was once a key piece to the New Jersey Devils 2012 Stanley Cup playoff run and played six playoff games for the Islanders in 2016 finds himself as a leader and key contributor to a Sound Tiger team full of young players looking to get to the next level where Bernier has been before.

With future stars like Oliver Wahlstrom, Kieffer Bellows and Simon Holmstrom developing in Bridgeport, it is Bernier’s job to be the leader in the dressing room as a guy who has played in big games and has had some success in the NHL. Not only does he bring leadership but he also produces on the scoresheet. Last season, Bernier lead Bridgeport in goals with 24 and has scored a total of 107 points in 178 games since playing for the Sound Tigers full-time in 2016.
The proof is in the numbers. Many know that having NHL veterans like Bernier is benefically when it comes to leadership and showing young players the ropes. But Bernier’s success on the ice as a Sound Tiger helps as well and is something that goes under the radar when fans think of the Islanders AHL affiliate.

John Smark