Born and raised in Vancouver, Clip was an early winner in the game of hockey, playing on Punch McLean Memorial Cup-winning New Westminster Bruins in the mid-70s along with such teammates as Stan Smyl and Mark Lofthouse. He was the first round pick (21st overall) of Los Angeles in 1976 and played for the Kings the following season. He played another three seasons with Kings affiliates in the AHL and CHL before being traded to the Washington Capitals in 1979. He wound up his playing career in Hershey (AHL) following the 1979-80 campaign. Steve is an avid golfer with a single digit handicap. He resides in North Vancouver.