AHL San Antonio Rampage

Scott Allen to Lead Rampage

Published on March 6, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
San Antonio Rampage News Release


SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League today announced that Scott Allen has been named interim Head Coach. The announcement was made after the Florida Panthers named John Torchetti and Duane Sutter as their new assistant coaches, replacing Paul Baxter and George Kingston.

Allen, 36, joined the Rampage as an assistant coach on June 28, 2002, after spending the previous six seasons coaching the Johnstown Chiefs in the East Coast Hockey League. In 326 games behind the bench for Johnstown he compiled a record of 144-150-32 and left the club winning more games than any other coach in the franchise's 15-year history. Last season, Allen's Chiefs posted a 39-31-2 record, setting franchise single season records for most wins, most points (80) and the fewest goals allowed (232). Under Allen's leadership the Chiefs made three consecutive Kelly Cup playoff appearances, while leading the ECHL in player call-ups each year.

"It's certainly an honor, which came unexpected. It is my job to build on the foundation that we set from day one of training camp and to continue to develop our players for the next level," said Coach Allen.

During his 10-year playing career, the New Bedford, Massachusetts, native competed in the All American Hockey League, Atlantic Coast Hockey League, Colonial Hockey League, the Central Hockey League and the ECHL. Playing alongside Torchetti, the pair captured the ECHL title while playing for the Carolina Thunderbirds during the 1988-89 campaign. Allen returned to the ECHL finals the following year and hoisted the Riley Cup as a member of the Greensboro Monarchs.

"Scott has been an integral part of the coaching team and he has all the skills and experience necessary to take over the reigns for the Rampage," said Rick Pych, Executive Vice President of Finance & Corporate Development.

"One of the reasons why we brought Scott Allen to San Antonio to work with John Torchetti was the possibility of Torchetti moving on to the National Hockey League. Scott has proved in the past that he can be a very successful head coach. I have no reservations about naming him interim head coach in San Antonio," said Florida Panthers General Manager Rick Dudley. "We expect San Antonio to continue to be one of the surprises in the American Hockey League, and we will do everything in our power to not only ensure a successful regular season, but a successful playoffs as well."

Torchetti, 38, has led the expansion San Antonio Rampage this season to a 30-23-10-2 record through last night's 4-2 victory over the Western Conference leading Grand Rapids Griffins. The Rampage currently are in second place in the West Division and fifth overall in the Western Conference. After starting the season with a 1-6-0-0 record, the Rampage have posted an 18-8-5-0 mark since the start of the new year and they are on the verge of clinching their first post season berth in their inaugural campaign in the AHL.

"It is a compliment when a coach is noticed for how well his team is playing for him," said Torchetti, "I will miss everything about the city of San Antonio, especially all the fans and staff who support the team each night. Scott knows our team very well and he will do a great job guiding our club into the Calder Cup playoffs."

Before being named Head Coach and General Manager of Rampage on May 31, 2002, Torchetti served as the assistant scouting director for the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2001-02 campaign, after serving two seasons as the team's associate coach. Prior to joining Tampa Bay's staff, Torchetti served as general manager of the IHL's Detroit Vipers.

"Torchetti has been a great coach at every level of professional hockey and we always knew that he had the potential to return to the National Hockey League," said Pych. "Our entire organization wishes 'Torch' the best of luck in his new role with the Panthers."

The Boston, Massachusetts, native began his coaching career in 1992 as an assistant coach with the Greensboro Monarchs in the ECHL. He landed his first head coaching position in 1994-95 when he was named Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations of the CHL's San Antonio Iguanas. In his first season with San Antonio, Torchetti led his club to the league finals and was named CHL's Coach of the Year. The Iguanas returned to the finals in 1995-96 as well.

Prior to the 1996-97 season, Torchetti accepted a position as the Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach for the San Antonio Dragons during their inaugural season in the IHL. However, Torchetti departed the Alamo City midway though the 1996-97 campaign for a head coaching position with the Fort Wayne Komets. After taking over a last place club in 1996-97, Torchetti guided the Komets to a 37-point turnaround the following season and the Central Division crown. For his achievements, Torchetti was honored with the Commissioner's Trophy as the IHL's Coach of the Year.

The Rampage return home tomorrow night to battle the Central Division leading Grand Rapids Griffins at 7:00 p.m. The game can be heard live on KTKR 'The Ticket" 760 AM with Andrew Monaco calling all the action.

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