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Clan Coach Confirmed – Bannister is back for 2012/2013
Braehead Clan are happy to confirm that Drew Bannister will be back for a second season and will resume the role of Player/Coach for the 2012/2013 season. Bannister joined the Clan last season, from fellow EIHL side Hull Stingrays. Bannister has a wealth of experience, having played in some of the top leagues such as the NHL, AHL, SM-Liga, DEL and EIHL here in the UK. Bannister played over 164 games in the NHL, and led the Clan last year to 35 wins from 58 competitive games. Clan finished 6th in the league, with only 1pt separating them from the 4th & 5th placed teams, made the Challenge Cup Semi Finals and were Play Off Quarter Finalists, and there is no doubt that Bannister will be looking to move the team up the league table as well as being competitive in the challenge for Silverware!
Bannister had the following to say on the signing news “I took some time out when the season ended to spend time with my family, but also to work with U17 Team Ontario and to take part in some other coaching opportunities that came up.”
“I really enjoyed my time in Braehead last season. It was a huge transition for me, to go from player to player/coach. It was a learning curve that’s for sure, but now that I have got my first year under my belt, I feel more confident about the role and I now know what I am looking for in terms of players and structure, to take this team forward.
“ I want to build a team that can compete with the top teams, but that is also consistent. We have to have the attitude that no matter who we are playing, we are playing to win. I expect my guys to have a positive, winning attitude, and to be focussed on their health and fitness, as well as their on ice skill. We are looking to build on what we had last year, build on the areas that made us successful, but we will also look to make a few small changes and work on bringing in the elements we were missing last season, to make us more competitive and get us closer to our goal of winning.”
“I hope to be able to spend more time on the ice with the younger guys on the team, and help them develop their skills, and I will be looking to the more experienced and senior guys to also pass on their knowledge to their team mates.”
“I will spend some time with my family over the next few weeks, but in the world of hockey, there are no days off, so I will continue to work on player recruitment. I am looking forward to coming back to Braehead in August.”
“We have an amazing fan base, and I am looking forward to playing in front of them again next season and putting out a team that they can continue to be proud of.”
A club spokesperson added “We are really pleased to have Drew back with us next season. He is an extremely skilled player, with a great knowledge of the game, and we have no doubt that he will work hard to put together a competitive and winning team.”
“Drew is a hard working guy, that wants nothing but the best for his players and in return, he expects nothing but the best from them. He has high standards and we are pleased to have him back for a second season. “
“The team is really taking shape and now with Drew on board, he will get to work on completing the roster.”
