PEORIA, ILL – Veteran coach Dave Allison is set to take the reins as the head coach of the Peoria Rivermen according to a press release from the team. He becomes the 18th head coach in Rivermen-franchise history.
“I am excited for the opportunity to join Peoria and coach these young men who are the future of the St. Louis Blues,” Allison said in a press release. “To work again with Doug [Armstrong] and the quality people associated with the St Louis Blues organization is humbling and exciting for both myself and my family, and a responsibility I embrace and am grateful for.”
Allison has served as a head coach during 18 seasons at just about every level of professional hockey, including a 25-game stint as the interim head coach of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators during the 1995-96 season.
His most recent coaching assignment had him leading the AHL Iowa Chops from 2005 to 2008. The Chops, at that time, were affiliated with the Dallas Stars. Allison worked under then-Dallas Stars, and current St. Louis Blues, general manager Doug Armstrong.
“With the track record Dave has with developing young players as well as his commitment and passion to the sport, we know we have found the right fit for Peoria,” said Peoria Rivermen General Manager Kevin McDonald in the release. “We are extremely excited to welcome Dave to the Rivermen family.”
During his playing days, he spent ten years on the blue line playing defense for several teams. He played three games for the Montreal Canadiens during the 1983-84 season.
Allison, 53, is currently serving as amateur scout with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He will continue to assist the Penguins in preparing for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. He will join the Rivermen July 1.
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