
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 16, 1990                   TAG: 9003162815
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Randy King
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ALLISON PICKED TOP ECHL COACH

Dave Allison, who guided the Virginia Lancers from the cellar to contending status in the East Coast Hockey League, was named the league's 1989-90 coach of the year Thursday.

In his first season behind the bench, Allison directed the Lancers to a 36-24 record and third place.

"It's a great honor," Allison said Thursday, as his club geared up for the ECHL playoffs.

"I just think it's a reflection of the [NHL] clubs who have given us help - Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Hartford and Vancouver.

"A coach can't win without players and talent. We've had a good season here, and I think the players are why I won this award. It's really a thrill, though, to win this thing in my first year. Lord knows, I've got a lot to learn yet."

Allison, 32, was hired in June 1989 by former Lancers owner Henry Brabham to replace Kevin Willison, who was fired after Virginia plummeted to a 22-38 record and last place in the ECHL last season.

Head coaches and media representatives from the eight franchises voted on the award.

by CNB