Banks began his collegiate career in 1986 with the Brock Badgers having previously played for the Leamington Flyers. Banks played for the Badgers for three seasons, with his most productive season coming in his final year, registering 33 points in 26 games, along with 88 PIM. During his time at Brock University, he majored in sociology.
Upon leaving university, Banks turned professional and signed with the Knoxville Cherokees of the ECHL for the 1989–90. In his first season as a pro, Banks would have his most productive season, registering 47 points in 52 games, whilst also accruing 258 minutes in the penalty box. His success in Tennessee would catch the attention of the NHL's Calgary Flames, who signed him to a contract at the end of the ECHL season. The Flames immediately sent him to their IHL affiliate team, the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, for whom he played 6 games. During the season, Banks also played 2 games for the Fort Wayne Komets, also of the IHL.
He returned to the Eagles for the 1990–91 season, playing exclusively for the team. He registered 16 points in 56 games, along with 286 PIM. The following season would again see Banks play exclusively for Salt Lake City, playing 55 games, tallying 10 points and 303 PIM. The off-season would see Banks sign as a free agent for the Boston Bruins in time for the 1992–93 season. Though he played primarily with Boston's farm team in Providence, Banks made his NHL debut on October 8, 1992 against the Hartford Whalers. He made an impression on his debut; receiving a game misconduct penalty as a result of a fight with Scott Daniels in the 2nd period. Over the course of the season, Banks went on to play an additional 15 games with Boston, and dressed 46 times for Providence. Banks remained in the Bruins system the following season, playing for Boston 4 times, and Providence 41 times. During the season Banks suffered a separated shoulder, and upon returning from injury he played 2 games for Providence before separating his other shoulder; a situation which caused friction with Providence coach Mike O'Connell and culminated with Banks shooting a puck at O'Connell during practice. In the off-season O'Connell was promoted to Assistant General Manager of the Boston Bruins, resulting in Banks being released from the team.

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