[citation needed] His play in Ontario drew the attention of Michigan State University where he spent four years as a member of the Spartans hockey team.

[citation needed] He was later dealt to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for defenseman Tom Poti, who had become a target of fans for his perceived indifference.

In Edmonton, York became an integral part of the team, playing on the top two lines and also on the penalty kill, where for a time he formed a formidable duo with Todd Marchant.

On May 13, 2011, York left to sign a one-year contract returning to Germany with the Iserlohn Roosters, with whom he spent a season from the 2004 NHL lockout.

Earning a cult status throughout his tenure in Iserlohn, it was announced that York's number 78 would be taken out of circulation, to be retired by the club at a later date.

[5] On September 2, 2016, York announced the end of his playing career, in accepting a student assistant coaching role in returning to Michigan State University to complete a communications degree.