A former NHL player and current coach, known for his brief but notable playing career and subsequent coaching stints in various leagues.
Jason Bonsignore, an American former professional ice hockey forward, is best known for being a first-round draft pick in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, selected fourth overall by the Edmonton Oilers.
Born on April 15, 1976, in Rochester, New York, Bonsignore began his hockey journey at a young age. As a youth, he played in the 1990 Quebec International PeeWee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Rochester.
Bonsignore was a highly touted prospect, selected in the first round of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft by the Newmarket Royals. He went on to star in the league with the Royals, then Niagara Falls Thunder, and finally with Sudbury Wolves, where he set a Wolves record for most game-winning goals in the playoffs.
After being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers, Bonsignore played for the Oilers' American Hockey League (AHL) farm team before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. In his first season with Tampa, he finished as the team's leading rookie scorer and earned International Hockey League player of the week recognition during a short stay with Tampa's farm team in Cleveland.
In the 1998-1999 season, Bonsignore became a regular with the Lightning, but was not given a qualifying offer by the team, making him an unrestricted free agent. He signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization for the 1999-2000 season, but was a late cut at training camp and was assigned to their AHL farm team in St. John's.
Bonsignore suffered a season-ending ankle injury mid-season, which led to him asking for a release from the Maple Leafs. He chose to sit out the next two years due to the ankle injury and personal reasons. However, he made a comeback in the 2002-2003 season, playing with the AHL franchises in Springfield and Lowell, where he was runner-up for the Brian Paddock Comeback Player of the Year award given out by the Professional Hockey Players Association.
In 2003, Bonsignore tried out with the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers but was released towards the end of training camp. He eventually moved on to become a speedway promoter and racer, a far cry from his hockey days.
Although Bonsignore's hockey career was marked by setbacks and injuries, he remains an important figure in the hockey world. His comeback to the AHL after a two-year hiatus is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. Today, his legacy serves as an inspiration to young hockey players facing similar challenges.
Despite his promising start, Bonsignore's career was marred by injuries and setbacks. However, his determination and perseverance have made him a memorable figure in the world of hockey.
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