Steve Cruickshank was a standout college hockey player for the Clarkson Golden Knights from 1978 to 1982. A talented center, he was a key offensive force for his team, culminating in a stellar senior season in 1981-82. That year, he was the Golden Knights’ leading scorer with 22 goals and 28 assists. His exceptional performance earned him several accolades, including being named the ECAC Player of the Year and an AHCA All-American. He was also a Top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 1982, an honor given to the most outstanding player in U.S. college hockey.

Following his collegiate career, Cruickshank did not play professional hockey. However, he remained deeply involved with the sport as a professional hockey official. He had a long career as a referee, officiating 1,000 professional games in the Central Hockey League (CHL). In 2013, he was honored with a jersey ceremony in his hometown of Paris, Ontario, to commemorate this significant achievement. His career as a referee demonstrates his enduring connection to the game of hockey beyond his playing days.