DURHAM, UK – The Braehead Clan are currently around half way through their 2nd season in the Elite League. The Clan have made great strides during their short time in existence claiming the Aladdin 20/20 Cup last campaign and establishing themselves as a mid table side in the top league in British hockey.
Pro Hockey News recently got the opportunity to speak to Braehead’s player/coach Drew Bannister. Bannister has had an illustrious playing career appearing in the NHL for sides such as Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers and the Anaheim Mighty Ducks as while as icing in the top leagues in Germany and Russia.
Drew initially spoke of how he thought the Clan’s season had gone up to now and how he was finding his first coaching position in hockey.
“Yes, I think it has been (a success) for the most part. We have has some ups and downs but we have seen steady improvement in our team to this date.
“It’s been an adjustment for sure. Having to coach and play at the same time and being able to separate the two can be difficult at times. Certainly all the player coaches deserve a lot of respect for what they do.
“Playing and coaching are both different things. I’m lucky to have Frank (Morris) behind the bench with us on a nightly basis. He does a great job back there with the lines and without him it would make things much more difficult for me.”
Bannister came to Britain part way through the 2010/11 season to sign for the Hull Stingrays. Pro Hockey News asked Drew if his move to the UK was initially just a short term move and what factors persuaded him to remain in the Elite League.
Drew patrolling the blue line
“At the time it was only short term and as it went on in the summer it was looking like I would be going elsewhere to play until Neil Black was in touch with me in late July.
“Personally the coaching aspect was the biggest draw for me. If it was just going to be a playing position I would have went to play elsewhere in Europe. But coaching is something I want to be a part of after I’m done playing and this is a great opportunity to get my foot in the door.”
Drew went onto speak about the standard of hockey on offer in the Elite League.
“There are quality players all over Europe and North America and I expected the hockey to be good and so far it has proven me right.
Pro Hockey News went onto to ask Drew is any aspects of life in British hockey had surprised him and if there were any changes to would make to the overall set up of the Elite League.
“Nothing surprises me anymore, I’ve played the game to long and seen too many things in my days to have anything surprise me.
“There are a few things that I would change, but since I’m a player/coach I will leave that up to the people in charge of our league. They are all working hard for the best interests of the league and I’m sure they will make the right decisions.”
Bannister in action
Drew’s had a truly remarkable career he outlined the most enjoyable times he’s experienced in hockey and his biggest achievement in the game.
“I think being part of a championship team has been the most enjoyable time. Winning at the different levels I have has been something that I feel very lucky to be a part of and after I’m done playing I can look back and be proud of the achievements of those teams I played for.
“I think as an individual it would have to be being drafted into the NHL and playing my first game against Buffalo.”
Drew went onto speak about some of the best players he had shared the ice with and the facilities he had travelled to.
“Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemiuex, Mark Messier. I was lucky enough to play against some of the best players that have ever played this game.
“Most of the venues in North America are tops. I’ve played in some great venues in both Finland and Germany. Some of the worst have been in Russia and Germany also.”
Just before the interview concluded Drew spoke of his future coaching ambitions.
“I certainly have ambitions to coach back home at the junior and professional levels. But at this time my sole focus is with our club here in Braehead.”
Many thanks to Drew Bannister and the Braehead Clan for agreeing to take part in this interview.
Images courtesy of Ian Buchan
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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