Drew Bannister and his wife, Katie Bannister, have been married for nearly two decades.
Through the highs and lows of life’s journey, their partnership has remained steadfast, reflecting a deep understanding and mutual respect for one another.
Drew Bannister, born on April 9, 1974, is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player and current coach.
He currently serves as the interim head coach for the St. Louis Blues in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Bannister’s journey in professional hockey commenced when the Tampa Bay Lightning drafted him in the second round of the 1992 NHL Draft.
Throughout his playing career, he showcased his skills with notable NHL teams such as the Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and New York Rangers.
Upon concluding his playing days, Bannister transitioned into a dual role as a player and head coach for the Braehead Clan in the British Elite Ice Hockey League.
Drew Bannister Wife, Katie Bannister
Drew Bannister and his wife, Katie, celebrated their over 17 years of marriage.
Their story began in Hartford, where Drew was an integral part of the AHL’s Wolfpack.
The couple tied the knot in 2007, and Drew’s playing career eventually culminated in 2011-12 while he was in Scotland.
By the subsequent year, he embraced a coaching role as an assistant coach for the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL.
Their family grew with the arrivals of their daughters, Brinn, Tatum, and later, Emery. For three years, the family resided together in Owen Sound.
However, when Drew assumed the head coach role for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, the couple faced a challenging decision.
While Katie and their daughters relocated to Thunder Bay, Ontario, to be closer to her family, Drew moved to Sault Ste. Marie—a journey separated by a seven-hour drive.
Background Of Katie Bannister
Katie, who is deeply rooted in hockey, has been the anchor for their family, especially with three daughters passionate about the sport.
Her connection to hockey is not just familial; her father, Mike Busniuk, was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens and later played with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Mike ventured into coaching after his playing stint, notably with AHL teams affiliated with the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators.
Katie’s own hockey journey began in eighth grade in Binghamton, N.Y., playing alongside boys for Johnson City High.
She further pursued her passion at Northeastern University for two seasons.
Although she later shifted her focus to academics, the allure of hockey never faded.
Upon relocating to Hartford with her father, Katie immersed herself in coaching, first with a local high school girls’ team.
Her coaching trajectory continued with NCAA women’s hockey at Trinity College. When she and Drew moved to Sudbury, Ontario, Katie continued her coaching role.
Reflecting on her journey, Katie once envisioned herself as the first female coach in the NHL.
While that particular dream took a different turn, Katie now imparts her knowledge in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She teaches and coaches a spirited group of 56 girls, aged 4 to 8, multiple times weekly.
