Steve Kasper

Last updated
Steve Kasper
Steve Kasper.jpg
Kasper with the Boston Bruins in 1980
Born (1961-09-28) September 28, 1961 (age 63)
Saint-Lambert, Quebec, Canada
Height 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight 175 lb (79 kg; 12 st 7 lb)
Position Centre
Shot Left
Played for Boston Bruins
Los Angeles Kings
Philadelphia Flyers
Tampa Bay Lightning
NHL draft 81st overall, 1980
Boston Bruins
Playing career 19801993

Stephen Neil Kasper (born September 28, 1961) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward who played thirteen seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning. Kasper won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as top defensive forward during his second season in the NHL. He moved into coaching following his playing career, serving as the Bruins' head coach during the 1995–96 and 1996–97 seasons.

Contents

Playing career

Kasper began his hockey career with the Verdun Eperviers and the Sorel Black Hawks in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He topped the 100 point mark twice and was chosen 81st overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. Kasper earned a spot on the roster, playing a total of 76 games and scoring 51 points. He emerged as one of the best checking centres of the game and was subsequently awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 1981–82. Kasper helped the Bruins reach the semi-finals in 1982–83. In 1987–88, Kasper and the Bruins made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they were defeated by the Edmonton Oilers, 4-0 with one tie. Kasper was traded to the Los Angeles Kings for Bobby Carpenter in 1988–89. Kasper enjoyed some success with the Kings playing with Wayne Gretzky and Bernie Nicholls before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1991–92. He played two seasons in Philadelphia before being traded again to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kasper played in 47 games with the Bolts before retiring.

Coaching career

Kasper returned to Boston as an assistant coach to Brian Sutter. On July 22, 1994, he was named the head coach of the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League. He led the Bruins to the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated from contention. Kasper then again returned to Boston in 1995–96 to replace Sutter as head coach. He led the Bruins to a 91-point season. After a first round exit to the Florida Panthers and 26 wins in the 1996-97 season, Kasper was fired and replaced by Pat Burns. This marked the first time in 28 years the Bruins had missed the playoffs. On May 3, 2007, Kasper became the new head coach of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League (CJAHL) team, the Yarmouth Mariners. Kasper was fired as director of pro scouting for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, April 12, 2015, the day after the team's last game of the season. [1]

Awards and achievements

Career statistics

   Regular season   Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
1977–78 Verdun Éperviers QMJHL 632645711642460
1978–79 Verdun ÉperviersQMJHL6737671045311761322
1979–80 Verdun/Sorel ÉperviersQMJHL705765122117
1980–81 Sorel ÉperviersQMJHL25270
1980–81 Boston Bruins NHL 762135569430110
1981–82 Boston BruinsNHL73203151721136922
1982–83 Boston BruinsNHL24268241221310
1983–84 Boston BruinsNHL27311141930007
1984–85 Boston BruinsNHL771624403351019
1985–86 Boston BruinsNHL801723407331014
1986–87 Boston BruinsNHL792030505130220
1987–88 Boston BruinsNHL762644703523761310
1988–89 Boston BruinsNHL4910162649
1988–89 Los Angeles Kings NHL2991524141115610
1989–90 Los Angeles KingsNHL7717284527101122
1990–91 Los Angeles KingsNHL6791928331046108
1991–92 Philadelphia Flyers NHL1632510
1992–93 Philadelphia FlyersNHL211342
1992–93 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL4734718
NHL totals8211772914685549420284882

Coaching record

TeamYearRegular SeasonPost Season
GWLTPtsFinishResult
BOS 1995–96 82403111912nd in NortheastLost in First Round
BOS 1996–97 8226479616th in NortheastMissed Playoffs
Total164667820

References

  1. "Brendan Shanahan hopes to hire next Leafs GM by NHL draft | CBC Sports".
Preceded by Winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy
1982
Succeeded by
Preceded by Head Coach of the Providence Bruins
1994–95
Succeeded by
Preceded by Head coach of the Boston Bruins
199597
Succeeded by