Born in Hazelton, British Columbia, Kerr played three years with the WHL's Seattle Breakers. He was chosen 84th overall by the New York Islanders in 1982 then returned to junior for further seasoning. He finished his amateur career with 236 points including 112 in his last season.

Kerr spent most of his first two pro seasons with the Springfield Indians of AHL but did play 26 games for the Islanders. His grit and enthusiasm were welcome additions in 1986-87 after the Islanders lost Clark Gillies in the waiver draft. The next season the Islanders were dealing with the retirement of Mike Bossy and the trade of Duane Sutter to Chicago when Kerr embraced a more significant role with the tea. He recorded consecutive 20-goal seasons in 1987-88 and 1988-89 and was an emotional sparkplug on the bench and in the dressing room. He lost his spot in the lineup in 1990-91 and was sent down to the Capital District Islanders of the AHL.

The veteran winger was traded to Detroit for veteran defenceman Rick Green in May, 1991. He played 58 games in Motown as a checker and penalty killer before being traded to Winnipeg in June, 1992. He dressed for seven games in 1992-93 but played mostly for the AHL's Moncton Hawks before retiring.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame