Steve Bancroft was a professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman. He began his career in the minor leagues, playing for the Flint Spirits in the International Hockey League (IHL) in the late 1980s. He then moved on to play for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the same league, where he became known for his physical play and strong defensive skills.
In 1992, Bancroft was signed by the NHL's San Jose Sharks as a free agent. He played in 31 games for the Sharks in his rookie season, scoring one goal and three assists. He continued to play for the Sharks for the next two seasons, but saw limited ice time and was often a healthy scratch.
In 1995, Bancroft was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played for two seasons. He was primarily used as a defensive defenseman, and was known for his shot-blocking abilities. He also contributed offensively, scoring a career-high six goals in the 1996-97 season.
After his time with the Penguins, Bancroft played for several other teams in the NHL and minor leagues, including the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, and St. Louis Blues. He also played in Europe for a season, playing for the Frankfurt Lions in Germany.
Bancroft retired from professional hockey in 2002, after playing for 10 seasons. He finished his career with 11 goals and 43 assists in 372 NHL games, along with 624 penalty minutes. He was known as a tough, physical player who was willing to do whatever it took to help his team win.
Off the ice, Bancroft was known for his charitable work. He was involved with several organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House. He also started his own charity, the Steve Bancroft Foundation, which raised money for children with cancer.
Overall, Steve Bancroft had a successful career as a professional hockey player. He was known for his physical play and strong defensive skills, and was a valuable member of several NHL teams. He also made a positive impact off the ice, using his platform as a professional athlete to give back to his community.
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