NEWS RELEASE
SOO GREYHOUNDS HOCKEY CLUB
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The Soo Greyhounds Hockey Club, in conjunction with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, announced this morning that Drew Bannister has been named head coach of the San Antonio Rampage (AHL).
He becomes the first head coach in the Blues-Rampage era.
"On behalf of the organization, we would like to congratulate Drew on his new coaching opportunity. It has been a real pleasure to work along side Drew and watch him evolve as a coach over the past three years,” started Greyhounds GM Kyle Raftis.
"He started with the organization in the 2015-16 season, and culminated his time here with a franchise recording setting year, as well as CHL/OHL coach of the year honours. We wish Drew the best in this well-deserved opportunity and thank him for all that he did for the Greyhounds hockey program,” he concluded.
Originally hired on July 10, 2015, Bannister became the 19th head coach in Greyhounds team history at the time.
Over the course of the past three seasons the Sudbury, Ont. native accumulated an overall record of 136-50-13-5 behind the Hounds bench to go along with three consecutive post-season berths, two West Division titles (2016-17 and 2017-18) and the 2018 Hamilton Spectator Trophy (OHL regular season champions).
This past season, the Greyhounds had a franchise record-setting year under Bannister including 55 wins, and 116 points. He was subsequently named 2018 OHL and CHL Coach of the Year.
“I am very excited about the opportunity that begins here today, but this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of I received from the players over the past three seasons, the staff within the Greyhounds organization, Joe (Cirella), Ryan (Ward), Kyle (Raftis), the late Dr. Lukenda, Tim (Lukenda) and the rest of the Board of Directors for their assistance and opportunity,” stated Bannister.
“The Soo Greyhounds are a great organization, and along with the media and fans, make this such a great place to play and coach Junior hockey. I will be forever grateful for my time in Sault Ste. Marie,” ended Bannister.
The search for the next head coach of the Soo Greyhounds will begin immediately.
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