Dave Allison Named New
Peoria Coach 

Yesterday the St. Louis Blues announced they were releasing Peoria coach Jared Bednar. The haste and surprise of the announcement indicated that the club had a new option lined up following Bednar’s release. These suspicions were confirmed today when the club announced that Dave Allison would take over the reigns of the Peoria Rivermen.

That didn’t take long, did it?

The rashness of the Bednar decision made it clear the Blues had an option in mind. Allison’s quick hiring just one day after the news of Bednar’s exit confirms those thoughts.

Allison is no stranger to the St. Louis front office. St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong previously hired Allison to be the coach of the AHL club Iowa Stars back in 2005 when Armstrong was serving as the GM of the Dallas Stars. The two have had previous experience working with each other and will likely be on the same page almost immediately.

Currently, Allison is serving as an amateur scout for the Pittsburgh Penguins – a role he will continue in until the 2012 NHL Draft has completed. As for coaching, Allison hasn’t been behind the bench since the 2007 season. This time off may seem like a negative issue but let’s not forget the success Ken Hitchcock found behind the bench after taking time off from coaching.

Allison’s time as a scout may help his efforts in developing the younger prospects in the St. Louis organization. He has worked with several notable prospects that have gone on to find success, such as Stanley Cup champion Matt Greene and Phoenix goaltender Mike Smith. Allison has been applauded for his development with young players – a trait that might be the main reason behind his hiring.