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

DATE: FRIDAY, March 16, 1990                   TAG: 9003162818
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Randy King
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ALLISON COACH OF YEAR

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.

Head coaches and media representatives from the eight franchises voted. -

by CNB