Bernhardt began his career with the
Sarnia Junior Bees in 1974 and then with the
Cornwall Royals of the
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 1975 to 1978. From 1978 to 1983 he played for several CHL teams (
Tulsa Oilers,
Birmingham Bulls,
Oklahoma City Stars and the
Colorado Flames). Before joining Calgary, Bernhardt played with the
Rochester Americans of the
American Hockey League. Bernhardt played for
Canada during the
World Junior Championships in 1977–1978. From 1983 to 1990, Bernhardt split his time between the
Toronto Maple Leafs and the AHL farm clubs, the
St. Catharines Saints and
Newmarket Saints. ==Post-playing career==