The Buffalo Stampede ownership group announced this week that the team has hired former NHL forward, Jason Bonsignore, to take the helm as Head Coach and General Manager as the team heads into the 2021-22 USPHL season.

The Rochester, NY native brings a top-flight playing and coaching resume to Buffalo. After setting high school scoring records as a 15 year old, Bonsignore was selected in the first round of the OHL draft by the Newmarket Royals. During his four seasons in the OHL, he excelled with the Royals, Niagara Falls Thunder, and Sudbury Wolves, earning multiple honors and tallying 81 goals and 135 assists for 216 points over 191 games. During his Junior hockey career, he also appeared on the international stage, playing for the USA National Select 16 and 17 teams and representing the US in 2 World Junior Championships.

Following a successful OHL career, Bonsignore was drafted 4th overall in 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. After two seasons with the Oilers, he found success with the Tampa Bay Lightning, earning various honors, including leading Rookie scorer. Following multiple successful seasons with the Lightning, an injury sidelined him for two years, after which returned to play in the AHL, earning runner up for the Bryan Pad AHL “Comeback Player of the Year” award. Bonsignore continued to find professional success as he played abroad in the Swiss league for a number of years, before an injury forced him to retire in 2008.

Since the end of his playing career, Bonsignore has been coaching at various levels, including the Rochester Red Wings and Regional Express / Draftday USA tournament teams. He was slated to coach the Clearwater Prep Academy in 2020-21; however, the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The highly sought after coach had received several USPHL and GOJHL offers, but chose to stay close to home to continue to build Junior hockey in Buffalo.

Away from the rink, Bonsignore resides in Rochester with his wife Kim, daughter, Jordan, and son, Parker.