Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations Dale Tallon announced today that Dave Barr and Scott Allen have been named to the Panthers coaching staff, while Geordie Kinnear has been named head coach of Florida’s American Hockey League affiliate in Springfield. Barr will serve as the Panthers associate coach and Allen will serve as assistant coach.
“We are very pleased to welcome Dave, Scott and Geordie,” Tallon said. “They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization as we look to improve upon our record-setting season and continue to build winners in South Florida and Springfield for years to come.”
The 50-year old Allen spent the last three seasons with the Panthers organization, most recently serving as head coach of Florida’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Portland Pirates (2016). Allen served as assistant coach in Portland (2015-16) as well as San Antonio (2013-15) under Panthers General Manager Tom Rowe. Previously, Allen served as head coach and assistant coach of San Antonio (2002-03, 2003-04).
Entering his 21st season of coaching, the native of New Bedford, Mass., began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL) in 1996-97. Allen was named the team’s head coach midway through the 1997-98 season at the age of 31 and spent five seasons as Johnstown’s head coach. In 2004-05, Allen joined the coaching staff of the Lowell Lock Monsters (AHL) under Rowe.
After one season in Lowell, Allen served as an assistant coach of the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights (2005-07) and the Quad City Flames (2007-09) before being hired as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders (2009-12). After his time in New York, Allen joined the St. Louis Blues organization, serving as an assistant coach for their AHL affiliates the Peoria Rivermen (2012-13) and the Chicago Wolves (2013-14).
The 42-year old Kinnear spent the previous 10 seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes organization serving as assistant coach for the club’s AHL affiliates, the Charlotte Checkers (2010-16) and Albany River Rats (2007-10). He began his coaching career with Albany in 2001-02 as an assistant coach in the New Jersey Devils organization (2001-06) following an eight-year professional playing career and also served as a special assignment scout for New Jersey during the 2004-05 season.
The native of Simcoe, Ontario was selected by New Jersey in the seventh round (162nd overall) of the 1992 NHL Draft and spent the first six years of his pro career with the club’s AHL affiliate, Albany (1993-99). He served as team captain for three seasons (1996-1999). He played two seasons in the IHL with Orlando (1999-00) before returning to Albany, finishing his playing career in 2000-01 due to injury. Kinnear totaled 98 points (30-68-98) and 1,094 penalty minutes over the course of 406 career AHL games with Albany.
near played four NHL games for the Atlanta Thrashers (1999-00) recording 13 penalty minutes.
