Bannister joining Blues in Pittsburgh

Due to Assistant Coach Mike Van Ryn in COVID-19 protocols and Assistant Coach Steve Ott dealing with a back issue, Springfield Thunderbirds Head Coach Drew Bannister will join the team to assist the coaching staff for Wednesday's game in Pittsburgh.
Bannister is in his fourth season coaching the Blues' American Hockey League affiliates. This year he has led the Thunderbirds to a 17-8-2-1 record and the top spot in the AHL's Atlantic Division standings with 37 points.

Prior to joining the organization, he enjoyed a successful coaching career in the Ontario Hockey League.
Bannister was a second-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1992. His six-year National Hockey League career included stints with Tampa Bay, Edmonton, Anaheim and New York (Rangers). He also spent four seasons playing in the AHL and captured the Calder Cup Championship with the Hartford Wolf Pack in 1999-2000.
Along with his professional career in North America, Bannister played nine seasons overseas before retiring after the 2011-12 season.