Jason Taylor

Jason Taylor served as a player and assistant coach for the Central Texas Stampede across the club's first two seasons in the WPHL, making him one of the franchise's founding figures. He was among the first players signed before the inaugural 1996–97 campaign and wore both roles throughout — on the ice as a left wing and on the bench as a trusted lieutenant to head coach Bob Bourne.

In year one, Taylor posted 41 points and a team-high 250 PIM in 44 games, helping the Stampede reach the President's Cup Final. His second season was his stronger offensive showing: 22 goals and 45 points in 57 games, with a reduced but still notable 160 PIM. Across 101 career games in Belton, he totaled 86 points and 410 penalty minutes. When Bourne departed after the first season, Taylor remained to bridge the transition to incoming coach Lee Norwood. Bourne later noted that if he ever landed another head-coaching job, he would bring Taylor with him.