Caedan Bankier has been the Kamloops Blazer for the past four seasons, developing into an intriguing prospect. He’s continued to see an increase in offensive production, scoring a career-high 85 points in 57 games this season while rounding out his two-way game and physical play. Although he’s not the best player on the Minnesota Wild, fans should watch out for him as he makes his way to the AHL next season.
Third round selection by Minnesota
Bankier has been drafted by Wild in the third round From the 2021 NHL Draft. He showed well during his bubble season, scoring 23 points in 22 games, but entered the draft as the 102nd ranked North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting. While his ranking was down, the Wild liked what they saw and made him the 86th overall pick in the draft.
“It was so surreal,” Banker said. “You grew up wanting to be drafted and selected by an NHL team, so when that happened, it was an amazing moment. I was at home with all my family and friends, so it was also great to be a part of it.”
Related: Wild continue to stockpile young talent with 2021 draft picks
Since hearing his name called, all Bankier has done is produce, scoring 145 points in his last 125 games. As mentioned, he’s also up his game, becoming a better skater, which was one area of interest before the draft. He clearly has the drive and desire to work on becoming a better player, which has really paid off as the Wild rewarded him with a entry contract earlier this season.
Get invited to represent Canada
This season, Banker had the opportunity to represent Team Canada at the World Junior Championships. It was his first time representing Canada on the international stage, and he did not disappoint, helping the Canadians to a gold medal. While it was special to win the gold medal, it was to play with it The friends he grew up with It is a memory he will keep for a long time.
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“It was so cool. You get to watch the tournament every year at Christmas time, so it was great to finally put on the jersey and skate with a lot of my friends.”
Related: Top 3 Minnesota Wild prospects from the 2023 World Juniors
While he only recorded one assist, Bankier was impressive as he adapted to play the fourth line game role. He hit a shot in all but one of his seven games and showed a willingness to do whatever it takes to win gold. Winning the championship was also clearly having an effect on the WHL’s season, as once he returned to Kamloops, he scored points in eight of his first ten games and helped the Blazers win it. Fourth consecutive BC title.
Life is like Kamloops Blazer
Since Bankier’s arrival in Kamloops during the 2019-20 season, no player has played more games with the Blazers. He also ranked third during that period in scoring goals with 76 points and second in points with 188 points, which indicates how important he has been to this organization over the past four seasons. One of the Blazers’ best over the past decade, he also got a chance to play in the 2023 Memorial Cup as Kamloops hosted the tournament For the second time in their history.
“Since I’ve been here, our team has been really good. We’ve always strived to get to this point in the Memorial Cup, every year we’re moving slowly. To be here at the end is a very proud achievement, and we just want to keep playing for as long as we can.”
During the mid-1990s, Kamloops was one of the best teams in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), winning three titles in the space of four years. Led by NHL superstars Jarome Iginla, Scott Niedermayer, and Shane Doan, those teams set the standard for what it means to be a Blazer. While there was a lot of pressure on his group en route to the Memorial Cup, Banker was willing to live up to the standard set by stars of the past as well as indulge in any advice they gave him.
“It was so cool. We’ve heard stories about him Kamloops hosting the Memorial Cup, so finally getting to be in it is so cool and one he’ll remember forever. You see some of these guys on TV all those years, doing great things, like winning gold medals and Stanley Cups. Sharing Their experiences are very beneficial for me personally, and I know they are beneficial for our group, so we just try to listen and enjoy them as much as possible.”
With the Memorial Cup tournament in Kamloops, it gave Banker the opportunity to reflect on his career in the WHL and how the city embraced him from day one. Whether it was through bars or conversations with fans on the street, living in the city would be a memory he would keep for the rest of his life. It is clear that They love hockey They are ready to help their team succeed in any way they can.
“It is a nice. It’s been like this for the year and four years since I’ve been here. They cheer for the team as much as they can and stop you in the streets when they see you talking about the game. They are very passionate and love the Blazers game of Hockey. “
Related: Memorial Cup 2023: 3 Takeaways From Blazers’ Victory Over Betez
While the Blazers did not reach the memorial cup final, Bankier stepped up, scoring a goal and having three assists in four games. He scored multiple shots in the game and wasn’t afraid to defend his teammates when called upon. The tournament was the culmination of all his hard work over the past four seasons as it showed what he could bring to the Wild in the future.
He represented Kamloops with pride during his WHL career
Since arriving in Kamloops, Banker has represented the city well both on and off the ice. He has developed into an intriguing prospect while becoming a fan favorite during his tenure at Blazer. A player who is always looking for ways to take his game to him next level, He has all the attributes needed to one day play in the NHL.