Allison named coach of Peoria Riverman

Dave Allison is back in the professional hockey coaching ranks.

The Fort Frances native and former Ottawa Senators bench boss on Wednesday was named coach of the Peoria Riverman, the American Hockey League farm team of the St. Louis Blues.

Allison, 53, was an amateur scout last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, a role he’ll continue in until the NHL draft is complete.
“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 Riverman general manager Kevin McDonald in a release. “We are extremely excited to welcome Dave to the Rivermen family.”

Allison has spent 18 years coaching professional hockey, culminating in a 27-game stint with the Senators in 1995-96, going a dismal 2-22-3.

He has a 199-179-20-25 AHL coaching record, and also spent time behind the bench with the now-defunct Borderland Thunder of the Superior International Junior Hockey League.

“I am excited for the opportunity to join Peoria and coach these young men who are the future of the St. Louis Blues,” said Allison. “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 worked for the Colorado Avalanche prior to his present job with the Penguins.