WINNIPEG — The Manitoba Bisons men’s hockey team has added a player with NHL experience to their coaching staff.
The Bisons announced Ryan Bonni will be joining the team as an assistant coach under head coach Mike Sirant for next season.
“I first met Ryan at a Nashville Predators training camp where he impressed me as an outstanding player and a real quality person,” said Sirant through a media release.
“Ryan’s character, extensive playing and coaching hockey background, passion for the game, and commitment to helping our players develop and achieve their goals, makes him a perfect fit for the Bisons. I’m really looking forward to working with and learning from Ryan.”
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Bonni, 37, had a lengthy playing career, reaching the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks in the 1999-2000 season. The Winnipeg native also had a brief stint with the Manitoba Moose and played professionally in Europe until the 2009-10 season. Bonni more recently played for the Southeast Prairie Thunder at the Allen Cup in Steinbach. He began his coaching career as head coach of the MMJHL’s River East Royal Knights.
“I’m extremely excited to join the Bisons coaching staff this year, and be part of a program with such a strong history and tradition,” said Bonni. “I look forward to helping the team achieve success at the national level, and developing our players to move on to the pro level.”
Bonni replaces Dane Crowley and joins the Bisons coaching staff that already includes Steve Christie, Tyler Dittmer, Riley Dudar and Devin Himpe.