Panthers looking for a big season from Tanner, you can Banks on it!

August 14, 2021
North Saanich, British Columbia

The Peninsula Panthers were excited about their Club and about the 20/21 season last summer, albeit, the winds of change were blowing hard.  Covid had taken a nasty bite out of the lifestyle of people in the World and the game of hockey was not immune to the disaster.  The Panthers had a young and talented squad and playing in a Cohort with the Victoria Cougars to open the season was a significant test for the Organization. 

"We played our first ten games against the Cougars and although injuries played a major part in the outcome in a number of those games, I thought our kids really played hard and developed each time out," said GM Pete Zubersky.  "Tanner Banks was one of those guys who was learning how to play in Junior Hockey against one of the best teams in the Province and although he did not find a lot of success in terms of goals and assists, we felt that he took some giant steps forward.  I found it really interesting that in our individual exit interviews all the forwards were asked who they would like to play with moving forward, and almost every one of them mentioned Banks.  I think it said a lot about the player but even more about the person.  Every time I see him at the rink and get a bit of time to have a talk with him, my day is just a little bit better at the end of the chat."

Banks started playing hockey at the age of five and instantly fell in love with the game. Though he played a variety of other sports, hockey has always been his passion. Over the years, Tanner played on various spring teams and one year he was near the top in scoring at the Mainland Cup notching five goals and three assists in just five games. In 2013, the skilled left winger was scouted and travelled to Stettler, Alberta to try out for the 2002 Canadian Explorers AAA Hockey Team. He was one of three players from British Columbia to crack the squad.  The following summer, Banks had the opportunity to travel to Europe where he played a number of games over an 18-day period in what provided him a lifetime of memories.  He remains grateful for this experience and through social media, is still in contact with some intercontinental 2002 players.

Banks beamed when having the opportunity to discuss his time in Europe. “This was a lifetime memory and I was proud to represent Canada.  Our team participated in Europe's largest Ice hockey Tournament for Youngsters, the Invitational World Tournament in Zell Am See, Austria, in which there were sixteen 2002 teams from many different nations."
During the 2020/2021 season, Tanner played for the Panthers and though the season was cut short due to Covid-19, Tanner continued to participate in the Panther practices.

In 2020, Tanner was the recipient of four scholarships which he used to attend online Camosun classes, working towards a Business Diploma in Accounting. He made Camosun Dean’s 2020 Honour Roll with a GPA of 8.33. In July 2021, Tanner received the Joe Giles Memorial Award in Accounting and Finance which is presented to a student who has achieved high academic standing in Accounting 110 and Finance 110 while demonstrating a committed involvement in sports, fitness, or athletics. This September Tanner will be taking his last two classes to finish his first year at Camosun.

Banks has been employed this past year at Beacon Tax Services and he managed to save enough cash to purchase equipment to make a home gym. He has been working out daily to build up his strength and endurance in order to focus on becoming stronger on the ice for this upcoming hockey season.
 
“I’m excited for this season to start and hope it will be a full season with no pandemic interruptions," quipped Banks.  "We have a great group of guys with lots of skill and talent and I believe we will have a successful season. With the first few practices under the belt and after getting an opportunity to get a good look at our team, I see the commitment and determination from everyone to work for the same goal, a championship title”.

The Panthers will host the Westshore Wolves in an Exhibition game at the Panorama Recreation Centre on August 26th at 7:30 pm.  200 fans will be allowed into the venue for the game.  And undoubtedly the speedy veteran will have something to say about the outcome of this and most of of the Panthers games this season.  Banks on it!