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BANNING · 05-09-2016, 07:19 PM

*first article*

WINNIPEG, MB - With the highly anticipated SMJHL entry draft only hours away, the discussion has been focused on projected first overall pick Jon Ross and the inevitability of his arrival in Kelowna. Lost amongst the fanfare, surely, will be Winnipeg born defenceman Colin Banning - and this doesn't bother him one bit. He knows that the key to success will be hard work, whether he goes first or last.

Born in small town Manitoba, Banning was groomed to defend from the age of 6. The first born of two working parents, he spent the majority of his days with his grandfather, former Boston Bruins draft pick Gilbert Banning. Despite receiving a bachelor's degree in Defensive Positioning, Banning began his young career a Center for the Ile Des Chenes Elks, lined with Tyler Mosienko, grandson of Chicago Blackhawks great Billy and son of coach Brian. The combination of Banning's two-way play and strong passing, Mosienko's pedigree and shot ended up being the winning recipe as the Elks cruised to an undefeated season and a League Championship. The two would play together one more year before Mosienko left to pursue more challenging options.

The following 2 seasons would be a severe challenge for the team, and for Banning. After back to back losing seasons and the departure of several key players, the small town Elks merged with their rival Lorette Comets to form their team. While terrifying at the time, this would be fruitful for Banning. New coach Dan Tremblay recognized his potential as a defender, praising his positioning and his ability to get the puck out of dangerous situations.

In addition to a new coach, a new position and a new crest, it would also be the first time Banning would ever wear his beloved #26. The new-look Comets would post a league worst record that year, winning only 3 games and failing to score in the first 11 periods of the season. Dejected, Banning turned to Coach Tremblay, himself a once-highly regarded defensive prospect in the Ottawa 67s system, for advice. Over the Summer, Banning transformed his routine, changing his diet entirely, implementing a new training regiment to work on his core, and spending his evenings reviewing tape with his Grandfather, a long forgotten tradition. It is a routine he maintains to this day, going so far as to Skype with his grandfather while on the road.

On the eve of the draft, Banning isn't worried about where his name will be called. He's watched players he grew up with move on to bigger stages at tender ages and never reach their potential. While in small town Manitoba, he worked hard for the sake of the team, sacrificing a little more to keep the team he has captained the last two seasons encouraged. He knows he's not the kind of player a team is built around, and he knows the only trophy that will ever bear his name will be one given to the entire team. Good news is, that's fine by him. He just wants to do what he's always done, work hard.

- WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, MAY 9, 2016

RainDelay · 05-09-2016, 07:21 PM

Welcome to the league and best of luck at the draft, Colin!

vbottas17 · 05-09-2016, 07:22 PM

Jepox · 05-09-2016, 07:29 PM

Good luck tonight!

Wasty · 05-09-2016, 07:30 PM

Good luck in the draft! Welcome!

#40 Niclas Wastlund - W - VANCOUVER WHALERS Whalers

/ MINNESOTA MONARCHS

Dangles13 · 05-09-2016, 07:32 PM

Another good Manitoba boy. :D

BANNING · 05-09-2016, 07:41 PM

Quote:Originally posted by Dangles13@May 9 2016, 06:32 PM
Another good Manitoba boy.  :D

You know two things about Manitoban hockey players. They're high performance, low maintenance. We're the Nissan of the hockey world.

Nereus · 05-09-2016, 09:09 PM

Best of luck to you bud. Smile

RainDelay · 05-09-2016, 09:16 PM

Congrats on 8th overall

BANNING · 05-09-2016, 09:36 PM

Very excited to get started! Nice to be around 3 hours and give my GM enough faith in me to know I'll work hard to help the team. And I like a high set bar.

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