The Soo Greyhounds announced today that Drew Bannister will take the helm as head coach beginning July 1, 2026. The decision marks a full‑circle moment for a figure who has worn the Greyhounds’ sweater as a player, an assistant, and a bench boss over three distinct eras.
Bannister’s roots run deep in the franchise. As a player he helped the team capture back‑to‑back Ontario Hockey League titles in 1991 and 1992 and capped the run with a Memorial Cup championship in 1993. In 222 regular‑season games he amassed 118 points, a testament to his offensive instincts and durability.
After returning as head coach in 2015, Bannister engineered a historic 2017‑18 campaign that produced a franchise‑best 55‑7‑3‑3 record. His work earned him the Matt Leyden Trophy and the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most innovative strategists. Since then he has guided clubs in the American Hockey League and most recently served as head coach of the St. Louis Blues in the NHL.
On the international stage, Hockey Canada tapped Bannister to lead the nation’s Under‑18 men’s team at the 2026 IIHF U‑18 World Championship, a role that underscores his standing among the country’s top developmental minds.
Leadership welcomes the return
Tim Lukenda, President and Governor of the Greyhounds, praised Bannister’s lifelong connection to the club, stating that his “deep understanding of the organization’s culture” will be pivotal as the team looks to rebuild. General Manager Kyle Raftis added that Bannister’s leadership experience across multiple levels of hockey makes him the ideal architect for the next chapter.
The club will soon schedule a media availability to formally introduce Bannister and outline his vision for the roster and community engagement.