After graduating from Lake Superior State, Steve played hockey professionally from 2010 to 2020. He captained the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL in 2016-17, then spent his final three playing seasons with the ECHL's Tulsa Oilers.

He returned to Sault Ste. Marie at the end of his playing career to coach Lake Superior State's ACHA Division II Men's Ice Hockey team, providing excellent mentorship, experience and passion to the role.

Senior (2009-10): Captained LSSU during his senior season and scored four goals with 11 assists for 15 points in 38 games. 

Junior (2008-09): Ranked 12th in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association in points by a defenseman... Totaled three assists during the Lakers' 7-3 victory over Ohio State (10/17) and added a goal during a 4-2 loss (10/18) to total 1-3--4 for the series... Also had multiple-point games against Robert Morris (0-2--2, 11/21) and Bowling Green State (0-2--2, 1/24)... Scored his first career shootout goal against BGSU (11/18)... Scored his first career short-handed goal during a 3-3 tie with Notre Dame (1/17)... Missed two of three games during the CCHA First-Round Playoffs due to injury... Was 2-of-6 in CCHA shootouts... Was named to the Michigancollegehockey.com Third Team.

Sophomore (2007-08): Scored his first goal of the season and had 1-1--2 in a 5-1 victory over Clarkson (10/27)... Contributed assists in three straight games from 2/16 through 2/23... Totaled 2-3--5 during LSSU's three-game CCHA First-Round playoff series at Bowling Green State (3/7-9).

Freshman (2006-07): Appeared in42 of 43 games... Recorded his first collegiate point during the Lakers' 7-6 overtime victory at Ohio State (10/14)... Scored his first career goal during LSSU's 2-0 victory over Northern Michigan (12/1)...Acquired seven of his eight points (1-6--7) in league play.

Prior to LSSU: Finished the 2005-06 season with three goals and 11 assists in 57 games for the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the United States Junior Hockey League... Also scored two goals during the 2005-06 USHL Playoffs and was named the team's defenseman of the year... Helped lead the Soo Indians of the North American Hockey League to a third-place finish in the 2004-05 Junior A nationals.

Personal: Son of John and Virginia Kaunisto... Majoring in finance and economics... A 2005 graduate of Sault Area High School.

All About Steven:

Parents' names: John and Virginia

Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

Favorite food: Buffalo chicken wrap

What I want to do after I graduate (other than play hockey): Be part of a major finance firm

Most memorable athletic moment:Ringing the bell for the first time

Advice I would give youngsters: Have dreams and shoot for them

Favorite NHL team: Detroit Red Wings

Favorite NHL player: Nicklas Lidstrom

Best part of playing for Lake State: Being in my hometown

Person or people who have made the biggest impact on my hockey career: My family

The most important less I have learned: Don't get frustrated

My biggest challenge in hockey is:Overcoming my self doubt

The game I am looking forward to most this season: Game against my cousins

Major: Finance and Economics

Siblings: Josh and Justin Mayer