Attack Hire Bannister

Press Release

The Owen Sound Attack is pleased to announce that they have hired Drew Bannister as the organizations new Assistant Coach. Drew will replace former Associate Coach Terry Virtue who spent two seasons with the club from 2010/2012.

Bannister, a defenseman, spent his junior career with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds where he won two consecutive OHL Championships and appeared in three straight Memorial Cups from 91-93 and was named a tournament All-Star in 92 and 93 winning the prestigious tournament in 1993 on home ice. His final season of Junior was 93-94 where he won a Gold Medal with the Canadian National Junior Team.

Follwing Junior Hockey, Bannister spent 18 years in the professional hockey ranks having started his pro career in the 1994-1995 season with the Atlanta Knights of the IHL. An offensive minded defenseman, Bannister suited up in 164 NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks tallying 5 goals, 25 assists and 161 penalty minutes.

Bannister’s playing career took him to the British Elite Ice Hockey League where he suited up for the Hull Stingrays during the 2010/2011 season before signing on as the Player/Coach of the Braehead Clan for the 2011/2012 season, guiding the team to 33-20-2-2 record while finishing the season with 13 goals, 32 assists and 114 penalty minutes.

“We are ecstatic to have Drew and his family as a part of our organization.”, stated Attack General Manager Dale DeGray. “Greg Ireland and I conducted what we felt was a very thorough and complete search which brought forward many qualified candidates, however; whenever we started the process of narrowing things down, Drew’s name kept coming to the surface and we are thrilled to have him on board.”

Bannister, his wife and daughter will be relocating to and residing in the Owen Sound area. “My family and I are extremely excited for the opportunity.”, stated Bannister. “I was very impressed with both Dale DeGray and Greg Ireland throughout the entire process and the opportunity to join an organization like the Attack is tremendous.”. Bannister went on to say that he “cannot wait for the opportunity to help develop kids into hockey players and young men.”

The Attack wishes to welcome Drew and his family into the organization and is looking forward to his contributions in the Attack’s endeavour to capture their 2^nd J. Ross Robertson Cup.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)