Dave Allison's journey in professional hockey is marked by his roles as both a player and a coach. Born on April 14, 1959, in Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada, Allison's career in hockey began on the ice as a defenseman. He played junior hockey with the Cornwall Royals in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he honed his skills and prepared for a professional career.
Allison's professional playing career started in the early 1980s. He spent time in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the International Hockey League (IHL), playing for teams such as the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, the Springfield Indians, and the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Although he never played in the National Hockey League (NHL), Allison was known for his physical style of play and leadership qualities on the ice.
Transitioning from player to coach, Allison took on his first coaching role with the Virginia Lancers in the Atlantic Coast Hockey League (ACHL). His coaching career quickly progressed, and he found himself behind the bench for several teams in the minor leagues. One of his most notable coaching stints was with the Prince Edward Island Senators in the AHL, where he served as head coach.
In the 1995-1996 NHL season, Allison was appointed as the interim head coach of the Ottawa Senators. Although his time with the Senators was brief, it marked his entry into the NHL coaching ranks. Following his tenure with Ottawa, Allison continued to coach in various leagues, including the IHL and the United Hockey League (UHL).
Throughout his career, Allison was recognized for his ability to develop young talent and his understanding of the game. His coaching style often emphasized hard work and discipline, traits that he carried over from his playing days. Despite the challenges of coaching in different leagues and environments, Allison remained a respected figure in the hockey community.
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