FORT McMurray, AB (June 24, 2014) – The Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) are pleased to announce the return of Assistant Coach Ryan Allen (Fort McMurray, AB) in an expanded role for the 2014-15 season.
“In the short time I’ve gotten to know Ryan, it’s evident to see his passion for the game and desire to expand his knowledge and workload,” said Oil Barons head coach and general manager Curtis Hunt. “The energy and excitement that Ryan will continue to bring to the organization in an expanded role will be a great asset to our players’ development.”
“That relates to both on and off-ice development,” Hunt added.
Allen will enter his third year on the Oil Barons coaching staff after joining for the 2012-13 season. Prior to his coaching career, Allen played five seasons for the Brock University Badgers of Ontario University Athletics (OUA) from 2007 to 2012, where he was an alternate captain for his final three seasons and graduated with a Bachelor of Physical Education, with honours. At Brock, Allen was part of the first-ever Badgers team to reach the University Cup national championship in 2008.
He also spent five seasons playing for his hometown Oil Barons from 2002 to 2007, where he served as an alternate captain in 2006-07, and captured the AJHL championship in 2005-06. The born and raised native of Fort McMurray also played his entire minor hockey career for the Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association.
“I’m just glad to be back on with the organization again,” said Allen, “and I’m looking forward to furthering my coaching background and learning a lot more.”
“I’m very fortunate to have been born and raised in Fort McMurray, and to be able to play minor hockey and now coach here is awesome.”
In his expanded role, Allen will continue to run the team’s defence on the bench and handle strength and conditioning. He will also expand his involvement in video operations and team tactics.
“It’s a cliché; but you can always get better at anything,” said Allen. “I did some video here the last couple of years, and it’s probably one of the things that, in today’s game, has become more advanced. Once you have it, it’s an important part of your coaching repertoire.”
Allen has also, for the last two years, served on the coaching staff of Team Northeast at the ATB Alberta Cup. As an assistant in 2013, Allen’s team won the tournament.
This past year, Allen was promoted to head coach of Team Northeast and reached the tournament final for the second straight year.
For more information, contact the Oil Barons office at (780) 743-5509.