Longtime minor-league coach Dave Allison was hired Wednesday to replace Jared Bednar as head coach of the St. Louis Blues' top farm team, the Peoria Rivermen.
Allison worked under Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong when Armstrong was GM of the Dallas Stars. Allison coached Dallas' AHL affiliate, the Iowa Stars, from 2005 to 2008.
"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 statement. "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."
The 53-year-old Allison is currently an amateur scout for the Pittsburgh Penguins and will remain with that club through the NHL Draft.
"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," Peoria Rivermen General Manager Kevin McDonald said. "We are extremely excited to welcome Dave to the Rivermen family."
Allison has 18 years of coaching experience in various league and also spent 25 games as interim coach of the NHL's Ottawa Senators in 1995-96.
He has been a head coach for four different American Hockey League teams -- Prince Edward Island (1994-96), Milwaukee (2001-02) and Iowa (2005-08).
Allison also spent time in the player development department with the Colorado Avalanche and was the East Coast Hockey League Coach of the Year in 1989-90 while with Virginia.
Contact reporter Norm Sanders at nsanders@bnd.com or 239-2454.
