The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds had a spectacular regular season in the OHL this year, losing just seven of 68 games in regulation and carrying five 30-goal scorers on the club. The head coach that is responsible for that outstanding season has been rewarded, as Drew Bannister is has been hired by the St. Louis Blues for their new AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage. Bannister will take over the head coaching role after Eric Veilleux recently left the team and is now working in Halifax. Blues GM Doug Armstrong released this statement:
We are very excited to have Drew join our organization. He has proven himself over the past few seasons in the OHL and will be a perfect fit as we continue to develop our prospects through our affiliation with San Antonio.
Bannister actually grew up playing for the Greyhounds, before being drafted in the second round by the Tampa Bay Lightning and starting what would be a long professional career. Recording 30 points in 164 NHL games, he would eventually find himself travelling Europe playing in various leagues and countries. He came back as an assistant for the Owen Sound Attack, before quickly ascending to the head coaching position he’ll now be leaving.
For the Rampage, they start a new affiliation after previously being with the Colorado Avalanche. St. Louis, who didn’t have a primary AHL affiliate last year, will try to send the Rampage to another level with their glut of young prospects. Bannister, known for his development of young skilled players, will get a chance to work with prospects like Jordan Kyrou, Erik Foley, Klim Kostin and others before they end up in the NHL.