Steve Tuttle, Canadian ice hockey player

Steve Walter Tuttle, born on January 5, 1966, in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward whose career spanned from the late 1980s into the late 1990s. While he is often primarily remembered for an unfortunate on-ice accident, his professional journey included stints in the National Hockey League (NHL) and significant time in the International Hockey League (IHL).

Professional Hockey Career of Steve Tuttle

Early Days and NHL Stint with the St. Louis Blues

Tuttle's path to professional hockey began when he was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 11th round, 219th overall, of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. Before turning pro, he honed his skills in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with teams like the Lethbridge Broncos and Swift Current Broncos, showcasing the offensive capabilities that made him an NHL prospect.

He played for parts of three seasons with the St. Louis Blues, from the 1988–89 to the 1990–91 campaigns. During his tenure with the Blues, Tuttle demonstrated a solid two-way game, contributing to the team's offense. In a total of 108 NHL games, he amassed 28 goals and 26 assists, accumulating 54 points.

Transition to the IHL and Subsequent Trades

Following his time with the Blues, Tuttle's career transitioned primarily to the International Hockey League, a prominent minor professional league that served as a significant feeder system for NHL teams during that era. In 1991, he was part of a transaction that sent him to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. However, he did not play a single NHL game for the Lightning, instead spending his time with their IHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. The Rivermen were a highly successful franchise in the IHL, providing a competitive environment for developing and veteran players.

His journey continued in 1993 when, still without having played an NHL game for the Lightning, Tuttle was traded to the Quebec Nordiques. Similar to his time with the Lightning, his play was concentrated with the Nordiques' IHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. He remained a consistent presence in the IHL until his eventual retirement after the 1997–98 season, concluding a dedicated professional hockey career.

The Defining Moment: The Clint Malarchuk Incident

A Fateful Night in Buffalo: March 22, 1989

Despite his NHL appearances and lengthy professional career, Steve Tuttle is most commonly remembered for an extraordinary and terrifying on-ice incident during a game on March 22, 1989. While playing for the St. Louis Blues against the Buffalo Sabres at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, Tuttle was involved in a scramble in front of the Sabres' net. In a freak accident, as he lost his balance, his skate blade inadvertently connected with the neck of Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk.

The impact was catastrophic, severing Malarchuk's jugular vein and carotid artery, causing severe and immediate blood loss on the ice. The incident sent shockwaves through the arena, leaving players, fans, and officials stunned. Crucially, quick action by Sabres athletic trainer Jim Pizzutelli, a former Army medic who had experience treating gunshot wounds, saved Malarchuk's life. Pizzutelli immediately rushed onto the ice and pinched off the severed blood vessels, stemming the flow until medical personnel could provide further aid. Malarchuk remarkably skated off the ice under his own power before collapsing in the dressing room.

The traumatic event profoundly affected Tuttle, who was reportedly deeply shaken by what had transpired. He visited Malarchuk in the hospital, and the two reportedly maintained a friendship in the years that followed. This incident served as a stark and horrific reminder of the inherent dangers in hockey and became a pivotal moment for player safety discussions within the NHL. It directly contributed to the widespread adoption and eventual mandating of cut-resistant neck protectors for goaltenders and, subsequently, for all players, significantly improving safety standards in the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions about Steve Tuttle

When was Steve Tuttle born?

Steve Walter Tuttle was born on January 5, 1966.

What NHL teams did Steve Tuttle play for?

Steve Tuttle played exclusively for the St. Louis Blues in the National Hockey League for parts of three seasons (1988-1991).

How many goals did Steve Tuttle score in his NHL career?

He scored a total of 28 goals in his 108 NHL games, all with the St. Louis Blues.

What is Steve Tuttle most known for?

Steve Tuttle is most widely remembered for being the player whose skate accidentally slashed the throat of Buffalo Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk during a game on March 22, 1989. This rare and severe accident significantly influenced player safety regulations in professional hockey.

Did Steve Tuttle play for the Tampa Bay Lightning or Quebec Nordiques in the NHL?

No, although he was traded to both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Quebec Nordiques, he never played an NHL game for either franchise. He spent his time with their respective International Hockey League (IHL) affiliates, the Peoria Rivermen and Milwaukee Admirals.