Brian Bonin

Who is Brian Bonin?

Brian Raymond Bonin is an American former professional ice hockey center. He was drafted in the ninth round, 211th overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft.

After being named Minnesota Mr. Hockey in 1992 for his play at White Bear Lake Area High School, Bonin entered the University of Minnesota. His stellar time with the Golden Gophers culminated with winning the Hobey Baker Award, given to the most outstanding collegiate hockey player in the NCAA, in his senior season. Bonin led the nation in scoring during the 1995-1996 season at the University of Minnesota, and was named a first-team All-American, WCHA Player of the Year, first-team All-WCHA, and team Most Valuable Player in both his junior and senior seasons

Bonin made his professional debut with the IHL's Cleveland Lumberjacks in the 1996–97 season. He then joined the AHL's Syracuse Crunch for the 1997–98 season, tallying 69 points in 67 games.

Bonin made his NHL debut with the Penguins in the 1998–99 season, appearing in five regular-season and three playoff games. The rest of the season was split between the IHL's Kansas City Blades and the AHL's Adirondack Red Wings.