Cirone named new bench boss for Jets

The Metro Jets are proud to announce that Jason Cirone has agreed to take over as head coach, effective immediately.

Cirone, a third round draft pick (46th overall) of the Winnipeg Jets in 1989, spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the Motor City Metal Jackets of the North American Hockey League.

Cirone replaces Jeff Bond, who recently resigned for personal reasons.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity," said Cirone. "I know the Central States Hockey League is a good developmental league and that the Jets have been around for a long time. I think the main reason I took the job was for the challenge of making Metro a top team and developing kids for the next level."

A 39-year-old Toronto native, Cirone played three games for Winnipeg during the 1991-1992 NHL season, registering two penalty minutes. He finished up his 16-year pro career in 2007-2008 with the International Hockey League's Flint Generals where he tallied 21 goals and 63 points in 63 games.

Cirone's biggest offensive output was in 1998-1999 where he potted 42 goals among 68 points with the Kansas City Blades of the IHL.

Prior to joining the Metal Jackets, Cirone was a player-assistant coach with the Central Hockey League's Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees in 2006-2007.

Cirone described his coaching style as one that is simple, yet effective.

"I demand hard work and want kids that want to learn," Cirone explained. "My biggest goal is to put together a team that competes every shift of every night."

At the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, Cirone played for the Italian squad on their home turf. He also skated the 1992-1993 season and five more from 2001-2006 with the Asiago HC team in Italy.

In all, Cirone played 88 games at the American Hockey League level, 505 at the IHL level and 73 more with teams in the ECHL, now-defunct West Coast Hockey League and CHL. He also played one season in Germany in 2000-2001.

Before turning pro, Cirone saw action in 212 games with the Cornwall Royals and Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League from 1987-1991.