Bob Bodak played in the Thunder Bay minor hockey system right up through Junior B before enrolling at Lakehead University in northern Ontario. In 1983-84 he scored 23 goals and 24 points in 22 games.
Bodak turned pro in 1984-85 with the Springfield Indians of the AHL. He was considered a long-shot to make the team heading into training camp but his strong work ethic impressed the coaching staff and he earned a spot on the roster. He played 79 games that year and scored 20 goals and 45 points.
The Calgary Flames liked what they saw in Bodak's enthusiasm and signed him to a contract in 1986. He spent the first couple of years in the minors with Moncton but got the call to join Calgary for three games in 1987-88. But as with most call-ups, used primarily to fill in for injured players, Bodak saw limited ice time and was unable to establish a name for himself with the club in such a short period of time.
In 1989 Bodak signed a free-agent contract with the Hartford Whalers but he was only able to crack the lineup on one occasion. He continued to play hockey in the minors for another three years, retiring after the 1991-92 season at the age of 30.
