In a statement made by Doug Armstrong, the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the St. Louis Blues, it was announced that Craig Berube has been relieved of his coaching duties. Taking over in his place as the interim head coach will be Drew Bannister, who currently serves as the head coach of the Springfield Thunderbirds.
At 49 years old, Bannister has demonstrated his coaching prowess through his successful tenure with the Blues’ AHL affiliate in Springfield. Over the past three seasons, he has led the team to an impressive 93-58-19 regular-season record. Hailing from Belleville, Ontario, Bannister has also achieved consecutive playoff appearances with the Thunderbirds, including leading the team to a 2021-22 Eastern Conference win and a berth in the Calder Cup Final.
Before his time with the Thunderbirds, Bannister started his coaching career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he served as an assistant with Owen Sound for three seasons and as head coach with the Soo Greyhounds for three seasons. Additionally, he has experience as the head coach of the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage and as an associate coach with the Utica Comets.
With a playing career spanning over 20 years, Bannister appeared in 164 NHL regular-season games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Mighty Ducks, and New York Rangers.
Bannister will make his debut behind the bench as the interim head coach of the Blues on Thursday when they face off against the Ottawa Senators. He is scheduled to travel to St. Louis on Wednesday in preparation for his new role.
The decision to relieve Berube of his coaching duties marks a significant change for the Blues and signals the beginning of a new era under Bannister’s leadership. It will be fascinating to see how the team performs under his guidance and what fresh strategies he brings to the table.
This announcement will undoubtedly spark speculation and interest among fans and experts within the hockey community as the Blues navigate this coaching transition. As the team prepares for this period of adjustment, all eyes will be on Bannister’s debut and the future direction of the St. Louis Blues.