Bannister joins Nailers

WHEELING, W.Va. - The Wheeling Nailers announced the team has signed forward Zach Bannister to a contract for the 2026-27 season.

Bannister is set to begin his third full season in the ECHL, and the Nailers become his sixth team. The 27-year-old began his professional career in the spring of 2024, following the conclusion of his collegiate playing career. He distributed one assist in two games with the Norfolk Admirals, before joining the Adirondack Thunder that summer. Bannister split his rookie season between Adirondack and Indy, then played the majority of last season with the Reading Royals. Last season was his most productive campaign as a pro, as he amassed nine points (4g-5a) in 30 games. Overall, Bannister has totaled 15 points (8g-7a) in 76 career games.

Prior to turning pro, the Grande Prairie, Alberta native played four years of college hockey - three seasons at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, then one year at Stevenson University. Bannister's senior season at Stevenson in 2023-24 was his best individually, as he had 27 points (10g-17a) in 28 games earning a spot on the Second Team All-Conference in the MAC. Bannister also enjoyed team success, as Wisconsin-Superior won a WIAC Championship in 2020-21. He finished his college career with 57 points (22g-35a) in 88 games.