- Serge Bernier
Infobox Ice Hockey Player
image_size =
position = Right Wing
played_for =Philadelphia Flyers
Los Angeles Kings
Quebec Nordiques
shot = Right
height_ft = 6
height_in = 0
weight_lb = 190
nickname =
nationality = CAN
birth_date = Birth date and age|1947|4|29|mf=y
birth_place = Padoue, PQ, CAN
career_start = 1967
career_end = 1981
draft = 5th overall
draft_year = 1967
draft_team =Philadelphia Flyers Serge Joseph Bernier (born
April 29 , 1947 in Padoue,Quebec ) is a retired Canadian professionalice hockey player. He was the first draft pick inPhiladelphia Flyers history.Playing career
Right-winger Serge Bernier was a fine playmaker and scorer in the NHL who became an explosive force with the WHA's Quebec Nordiques. He was a good skater whose 190-pound frame allowed him to stand his ground in front of the net.
Bernier played junior in the QMJHL with the Sorel Eperviers. He was chosen fifth overall by the expansion Philadelphia Flyers at the 1967 Amateur Draft. The Flyers sent him to the AHL to develop and he responded with consecutive 20-goal seasons for the Quebec Aces.
Bernier scored 23 goals as a Philadelphia rookie in 1970–71 playing with Jim Johnson and Bill Lesuk. The talented forward was traded in 1971–72 to the Los Angeles Kings in the deal that brought Bill Flett and Ross Lonsberry to the Flyers. Bernier registered a career high 68 points for the Kings in 1972–73 before jumping to the WHA.
The high-flying Nordiques were the perfect fit for Bernier. He represented Canada at the 1974 Summit Series versus the USSR and scored 54 goals in 1974–75 when he teamed with Rejean Houle and Michel Parizeau. Bernier was placed on the WHA second all-star team and was a hero at Le Colisee. The next season he led all playoff scorers 14 goals and 36 points as the Nords won the Avco Cup. Following the victory he was named the most valuable player in the playoffs.
Bernier continued to be force for Quebec through the 1978–79 season and was retained by the franchise when it merged with the NHL in 1979–80. Bernier battled assorted injuries and was more of a role player for the club before announcing his retirement in 1981.
External links
*hockeydb|362
*legendsofhockey|11986
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