Drew and Katie Bannister have been married for nearly two decades. Their bond has remained steady despite the ups and downs of life’s journey, demonstrating a profound understanding and mutual esteem for one another.
Drew Bannister, born on April 9, 1974, is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player and current coach. He is presently the National Hockey League (NHL) temporary head coach of the St. Louis Blues. Bannister’s professional career began when he was taken in the second round of the 1992 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
He played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and New York Rangers throughout his NHL career. Bannister withdrew from playing and joined the Braehead Clan of the British Elite Ice Hockey League as a player and head coach.
Who Is Katie Bannister, Drew Bannister’s wife?
Drew Bannister and Katie Bannister recently celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary. Drew was a part of the American Hockey League’s Wolfpack when their adventure began in Hartford. Drew’s playing career ended in 2011-12, when he was in Scotland following the couple’s marriage in 2007.
The next year, he accepted a coaching post with the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League as an assistant coach. Their family grew with the arrival of their children, Brinn, Tatum, and, later, Emery. For three years, the family resided in Owen Sound. Drew faced a difficult decision when he was hired as head coach of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Drew relocated to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, while Katie and their daughters moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario, to be closer to her family.
Katie Bannister’s Family History
Katie, who has a strong hockey background, has been the family’s rock, especially with three hockey-crazed children. Her father, Mike Busniuk, was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens and later played for the Philadelphia Flyers, therefore she comes from a hockey family.
Mike began coaching after his playing career, most notably with AHL clubs affiliated with the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators. Katie began her hockey career in eighth grade in Binghamton, New York, where she played alongside boys for Johnson City High. She pursued her passion at Northeastern University for two seasons.
Even though she finally shifted her focus to academics, her love of hockey never faded. Katie started coaching after she moved to Hartford with her father. She began by playing for a local high school girls’ team. Her coaching career continued at Trinity College, where she was the head coach of the NCAA women’s hockey team.
Katie continued to teach after moving to Sudbury, Ontario, with Drew. Katie had envisioned herself as the NHL’s first female coach as she reflected on her journey. Katie’s goal took a different road, but she now offers her knowledge in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Every week, she educates and directs a lively group of 56 girls aged 4 to 8.
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