| Born: | Apr 14, 1975 | Draft: | 1993 Capitals, 147th Overall |
| Hometown: | Calahoo, Alberta | Position: | Right Wing |
| Known For: | SM-liiga Champion (2002) | Shoots: | Right |
| National Team: | Hungary/Canada | Current Status: | Retired |
Frank Banham (born April 14, 1975) is a former Canadian-born Hungarian ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the Arizona Coyotes during the 2002-2003 season. Drafted 147th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, Banham returned to the Western Hockey League (WHL) to play in three more seasons with the Saskatoon Blades. Following his most productive season of 152 points in 72 games, he made his American Hockey League (AHL) debut, playing in five games with the Baltimore Bandits and recording one goal and five points in nine games.
After being let go by the Capitals organization, Banham signed with the Anaheim Ducks as a free agent and made his NHL debut in the 1996-97 season. He played in three games, finishing with no points and a minus-2 rating. The following season, he was given more time and a bigger role on the team, and Banham took full advantage. He recorded nine goals and 11 points in 21 games, showcasing signs of development to his two-way game. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t get any playing time the following year, spending the entire season with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks. After his time in the NHL was reduced to three games the following year, Banham opted to pursue his career in Finland, signing with the Blues of the SM-Liiga.
Banham played three seasons in Finland, two with Jokerit, before returning to North America. He appeared in five games with the Coyotes, spending the remainder of the season, and the following year, with their AHL affiliate. Unable to earn a regular roster spot, Banham returned to Europe, this time for good. His tour around the continent included stops in Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Croatia, and his homeland of Hungary. Banham represented Hungary on the international level, playing in five Olympic Qualifying matches and serving as an alternate captain in the 2016 World Championship.
Frank Banham Statistics
Deeper Dive
Achievements
- CHL Third All-Star Team (1996)
- WHL (East) First All-Star Team (1996)
- WHL Most Goals (83) (1996)
- Spengler Cup All-Star Team (2001)
- SM-liiga Champion (2002)
- SM-liiga Playoffs Most Goals (8) (2002)
- Liiga Most Game-Winning Goals (8) (2005)
- EBEL Champion (2007)
- EBEL Most Assists Playoffs (12) (2007)
- EBEL Most Goals Playoffs (9) (2007)
- EBEL Most Points Playoffs (21) (2007)
- EBEL Most Goals (30) (2010)
- NLB Champion (Lausanne) (2010)
- World Championship (D1A) Most Assists (4) (2015)
- World Championship (D1A) Silver Medal (2015)