| Steve Atkinson | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 16, 1948 Toronto, ON, CAN |
| Died | May 6, 2003 (aged 54) |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 172 lb (78 kg; 12 st 4 lb) |
| Position | Right Wing |
| Shot | Right |
| Played for | NHL Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Washington Capitals WHA Toronto Toros |
| NHL Draft | 6th overall, 1966 Detroit Red Wings |
| Playing career | 1968–1978 |
Stephen John "The Snail" Atkinson (October 16, 1948 – May 6, 2003) was a Canadian ice hockey player who played the positions of center and right wing.
Originally drafted in 1966 by the Detroit Red Wings, he was immediately traded to the Boston Bruins. Atkinson would join two expansion teams during his career. He was claimed by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1970 NHL Expansion Draft, and he spent four seasons with them. In the 1974 NHL Expansion Draft he would be claimed by the Washington Capitals. During his only season with the Capitals, he would become the first player in franchise history to score on a penalty shot on February 1, 1975 against the Vancouver Canucks. Atkinson would also have a stint with the Toronto Toros of the World Hockey Association.
Atkinson died of a heart attack on May 6, 2003 at the age of 54.
| Preceded by George Forgie |
Detroit Red Wings first round draft pick 1966 |
Succeeded by Ron Barkwell |