Drew Bannister has been married to Katie Bannister for over two decades. Their connection has stayed constant through the highs and lows of life’s journey, displaying a deep understanding and mutual regard for one another. Drew Bannister is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player and current coach who was born on April 9, 1974. He is now the St. Louis Blues’ interim head coach of the National Hockey League (NHL). Bannister’s professional career began when the Tampa Bay Lightning selected him in the second round of the 1992 NHL Draft.
Throughout his NHL career, he played for clubs such as the Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and New York Rangers. Bannister retired from playing and took on a dual position as a player and head coach with the Braehead Clan in the British Elite Ice Hockey League.
Who Is Katie Bannister, Drew Bannister’s wife?
Drew Bannister and his wife, Katie, celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary. Their adventure started in Hartford when Drew was a member of the American Hockey League’s Wolfpack. Drew’s playing career concluded in 2011-12 when he was in Scotland after the pair married in 2007.
The next year, he accepted a coaching position as an assistant coach with the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League. With the advent of their children, Brinn, Tatum, and, subsequently, Emery, their family increased. The family lived together in Owen Sound for three years. When Drew was named head coach of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, the pair was confronted with a difficult choice. While Katie and their girls went to Thunder Bay, Ontario, to be closer to her family, Drew relocated to Sault Ste. Marie—a seven-hour trip apart.
Katie Bannister’s Family History
Katie, who is strongly steeped in hockey, has been the family’s anchor, particularly with three kids who are enthusiastic about the sport. Her father, Mike Busniuk, was selected by the Montreal Canadiens and eventually played for the Philadelphia Flyers, thus she has a family tie to hockey.
Following his playing career, Mike began coaching, most notably with AHL clubs connected with the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators. Katie’s hockey career started in eighth school in Binghamton, New York, where she played alongside guys for Johnson City High. For two seasons, she followed her interest at Northeastern University. Even though she eventually moved her concentration to academics, the fascination with hockey never left her.
Katie began coaching after moving to Hartford with her father. She began with a local high school girls’ team. Her coaching career continued at Trinity College, where she coached NCAA women’s hockey. Katie kept teaching when she and Drew relocated to Sudbury, Ontario. Katie had envisioned herself being the NHL’s first female coach, reflecting on her path. While Katie’s desire followed a different path, she now shares her expertise in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She educates and instructs a vibrant group of 56 girls ages 4 to 8 every week.
