ST. LOUIS—Drew Bannister (a seasonal resident of Manitoulin Island who spent several years as a youth living in Gore Bay), who coached the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League on an interim basis this season, has now been named the team’s full-time coach.
Doug Armstrong, president of hockey operations and general manager of the Blues made the announcement on Tuesday of last week.
Mr. Bannister, 50, has signed a two-year contract to remain in the coaching role. He replaced Craig Berube who had been fired in December.
The Blues posted a 30-19-5 record after Mr. Bannister took over, finishing six points out of a playoff spot in the Western conference.
The Blues coaching position is the first for Mr. Bannister in the NHL. Previously he had coached the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League.
