Serge Bernier, Canadian ice hockey player

Serge Joseph Bernier, born on April 29, 1947, is a distinguished Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger whose career spanned two prominent leagues during a pivotal era for the sport. Known for his scoring touch and tenacious play, Bernier left a notable mark on both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the rival World Hockey Association (WHA).

A Career Across Two Leagues

Bernier’s professional journey began in the National Hockey League, where he played for seven seasons. He showcased his talents with several teams, including the nascent Philadelphia Flyers, the Los Angeles Kings, and the Quebec Nordiques. However, it was in the World Hockey Association, a league that challenged the NHL's dominance in the 1970s, where Bernier truly found his stride and cemented his legacy, particularly with the Quebec Nordiques. He played six seasons exclusively with the Nordiques in the WHA, becoming a cornerstone of their offense.

Pioneering Spirit: The Philadelphia Flyers' First Pick

A significant highlight of Serge Bernier's early career is his unique historical distinction as the very first draft pick in the history of the Philadelphia Flyers franchise. Selected in the 1967 NHL Amateur Draft, he was a foundational player for the Flyers, an expansion team seeking to establish its identity in the league. This role placed him at the forefront of a new era for professional hockey in Philadelphia, laying groundwork for the franchise's future success, including their famed "Broad Street Bullies" era.

WHA Stardom with the Quebec Nordiques

While Bernier contributed to his NHL teams, his most prolific scoring years came during his tenure with the Quebec Nordiques in the WHA. He amassed a remarkable 230 goals for the Nordiques in the WHA alone, making him one of the franchise's top offensive threats during that period. Indeed, his WHA goal total for Quebec ranked third all-time for the team within that league, placing him behind only legendary Nordiques' scorers Réal Cloutier and Marc Tardif. Across both the NHL and WHA, Bernier's combined professional goal total reached an impressive 308 goals, with the vast majority scored during his impactful time in the WHA.

Legacy and Hall of Fame Recognition

Serge Bernier's significant contributions to the World Hockey Association did not go unnoticed. In 2010, he was rightfully honored as part of the initial group of players elected to the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame. This induction recognized his role as a pivotal figure and a high-impact player in a league that, despite its relatively short existence, profoundly influenced the landscape of professional hockey and provided a platform for many talented players, including Bernier, to shine brightly. His legacy is one of a dedicated right winger who excelled in a competitive environment and left an indelible mark on two distinct professional hockey leagues.

Frequently Asked Questions about Serge Bernier

Who is Serge Bernier?
Serge Joseph Bernier is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger who played in both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the World Hockey Association (WHA) during the 1960s and 1970s.
Which teams did Serge Bernier play for?
In the NHL, he played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, and Quebec Nordiques. In the WHA, he played exclusively for the Quebec Nordiques.
What was Serge Bernier's goal-scoring record?
He scored a combined 308 goals across his NHL and WHA careers. A significant portion, 230 goals, were scored during his time with the Quebec Nordiques in the WHA, making him one of their all-time top scorers in that league.
What is Serge Bernier's significance to the Philadelphia Flyers?
Serge Bernier holds the distinction of being the first player ever drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers franchise, selected in the 1967 NHL Amateur Draft.
Has Serge Bernier received any significant honors?
Yes, in 2010, Serge Bernier was inducted into the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class, recognizing his substantial contributions to the league.