Hall of Fame
Stephen Banonis ‘77 was an excellent student-athlete. He played hockey for three and a half seasons at Catholic Central (CC). As a freshman, he was elevated from the CC JV team to the varsity for the 1974 state tournament. Steve’s considerable contributions to that State Championship run earned him team Hall of Fame honors with his ‘74 teammates.
As a sophomore, he played full-time and was second on the team in scoring with 37 points (23G-14A). Steve ranked #5 in First Division scoring in the Michigan Metro Hockey League (MMHL). He collected only six penalty minutes and earned Honorable Mention All-League honors. The ‘74-75 season marked the first year the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) sponsored a state hockey tournament. Steve was pivotal in leading the Shamrocks to the Final Four, where they suffered a heartbreaking 5-4 overtime loss to Calumet.
As a junior, Steve’s league point totals rose to 39 (21G-18A), sixth among league scorers. His point totals and sportsmanship, just 12 penalty minutes, earned him First team MMHL honors.
In Steve’s senior year, he was the #1 scorer in the First Division with 34 points (23G-11A) and again earned MMHL first-team honors. He displayed great discipline and class with just four penalty minutes all season.
Steve finished high school as the #1 player in the MMHL. He was powerful – when he rushed the puck defenders fell into his wake and fans slid to the edge of their seats. His poise and instincts made him a constant threat. Steve’s leadership bolstered CC’s image as a state power. During Steve’s last three seasons, CC was one of only two teams to be ranked in the state’s Top 5 by the Michigan Hockey Weekly.
Steve continued his hockey career at Ferris State University (FSU) where he played 127 games and scored 150 points (83 goals, 67 assists) with 67 penalty minutes. He turned pro with the Kalamazoo Wings and continued his outstanding play.
Steve moved on to coach the Portage Central High School hockey team in the Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League (SMHSHL) and eventually the Junior K-Wings. Unfortunately, in December of 1993, he was tragically killed in an automobile accident.
Steve’s influence was so significant that in 1998 the title of the Portage Central Coach of the Year Award was changed to the “Steve Banonis Coach of the Year Award” in his honor. And in 2000 he was inducted into the FSU Hall of Fame. We thank him for the honor he brought to CC and welcome him into the CC Hall of Fame.
