The Florida Panthers announced today that Executive Vice President and General Manager Dale Tallon has signed a multi-year contract extension and that Tom Rowe has been named Associate General Manager. Rowe had been serving as head coach of the Panthers’ AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates, this season.
In addition, the Panthers announced that Portland Pirates assistant coach Scott Allen will take over head coaching duties for the team.
“Dale and Tom bring a wealth of leadership, credibility and hockey experience that will enrich our organization for years to come,” Florida Panthers Owner, Governor and Chairman Vinnie Viola said. “We have benefited tremendously from their expertise already. The success of both our NHL and AHL clubs this season is a direct result of Dale and Tom’s leadership and stewardship. With the stability provided by the recent Broward County Commissioners vote, we look forward to continuing to strengthen our team both on and off the ice as we work towards the singular goal of winning the Stanley Cup.”
“Bringing Tom to Florida to complement Dale will solidify our exciting upwards trajectory as a franchise," Florida Panthers Executive Chairman Peter Luukko said. As everyone around the league knows, the nature and responsibilities of an NHL front office are ever-expanding. With their combined knowledge of the game and business of hockey, Dale and Tom will be able to ensure the future of the Panthers is bright.”
Allen, a 49-year-old New Bedford, Mass., native is in his second season with Florida’s AHL affiliate and his 20th year of coaching overall. Allen previously served as an AHL head coach with the San Antonio Rampage during the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons after beginning both seasons as an assistant. He was also an assistant coach for the Lowell Lock Monsters (2004-05), Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights (2005-07), Quad City Flames (2007-09), Peoria Rivermen (2012-13), Chicago Wolves (2013-14) and San Antonio again (2014-15). Allen also served as assistant coach of the NHL’s New York Islanders from 2009-12.
The Pirates announced that Allen will be assisted on the bench in the team’s upcoming games by goaltending coach Pierre Groulx. A search has commenced for a new full-time assistant coach.
