[4] After being drafted by the Canucks, Stern returned to the Chevaliers for one final year before turning pro for the 1987–88 season.
That year he played the majority of the season with the Flint Spirits of the IHL, appearing in 55 games and registering 294 Penalty Minutes.
The next three years saw Stern bounce between the Canucks and their minor league affiliate Milwaukee Admirals.
In Calgary, Stern established himself as a full-time NHLer, and earned a reputation as a feared fighter amongst fellow NHL heavyweights at six feet and more than 200 pounds.
[5] Stern missed the entire 1997–1998 season recovering from knee surgery but was signed by the San Jose Sharks upon recovery.