#steve bernier

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers, proud American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, announced Friday that seven players have agreed to terms on one-year AHL contracts. Forwards Steve Bernier, John Stevens, Nick Schilkey, Nic Pierog and Kyle MacLean as well as defensemen Mike Cornell and Ryan MacKinnon have each joined Bridgeport for the 2019-20 season.

Bernier, 34, led the Sound Tigers with a career-high 24 goals in 62 games last season while also serving as an alternate captain for the second straight year. 

Stevens, 25, registered seven points (three goals, four assists) in 25 regular-season games with the Sound Tigers last season and added one assist in four Calder Cup Playoff appearances. 

Schilkey, 25, collected 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) and a plus-22 rating in 64 regular-season games with the Charlotte Checkers last year. 

Pierog, 26, led the Manchester Monarchs (ECHL) with a career-high 32 goals and 54 points in 68 regular-season games last year. He added seven points (three goals, four assists) in 11 Kelly Cup Playoff games, helping Manchester reach the North Division Finals. 

MacLean, 20, joins the organization after spending each of the last four years with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Last season, he ranked fourth on the Generals in scoring with a career-high 60 points (18 goals, 42 assists) in 68 games, while also serving as team captain. 

Cornell, 31, played 60 games with the Worcester Railers (ECHL) last season and led all team defensemen in points (30) and assists (25). He added five goals and 172 penalty minutes while serving as Worcester’s captain for the first time. 

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League today announced that Bridgeport Sound Tigers forward Steve Bernier has been suspended for three (3) games as a consequence of an illegal check to the head of an opponent in a game vs. Hartford on Jan. 12.