Stapleton served as an assistant to head coach/GM Scott Gardiner with the NAHL's Traverse City North Stars during the club's inaugural 2005–06 season before accepting a position as associate coach of the OHL's Erie Otters.
Stapleton served as an assistant to head coach/general manager Scott Gardiner with the NAHL's Traverse City North Stars during their first year of operation in 2005-06, and then transitioned to a position as associate coach for the OHL's Erie Otters.