McAllister Named REDS Associate Coach

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS, the seven-time defending Atlantic University Sport men’s hockey champions, are naming Kyle McAllister as the team’s new Associate Coach.

“We’re thrilled to add Kyle to our staff and the UNB family,” said REDS’ head coach Rob Hennigar. “Having known Kyle for a long time, and having played against and with him, he’ll be a great fit with the UNB culture and what we do on a daily basis.”

“His resume speaks for itself,” added Hennigar. “He was an excellent player and having head coach experience at this level along with his experience in the MHL, he’ll be a difference-maker for the program.”

“I’m very excited about joining the REDS,” said McAllister. “Rob and I have known each other for a long time. The team and the staff have a long history of success and I’m looking forward to being part of that success moving forward.”

McAllister spent the past four seasons as the head coach and general manager of the Fredericton Red Wings, now the Chaleur Lightning, of the Maritime Junior League.

Before joining that franchise, McAllister served in the same capacity with the MHL’s South Shore Lumberjacks, was head coach of the former men’s team at St. Thomas University for their final season and was an assistant coach of both the Tommies’ men’s and women’s teams.

“I have experience playing and coaching in the AUS, as well as ten years of being a head coach and general manager in the CJHL,” said McAllister. “I still have ties to the OHL and that should help in UNB continuing to recruit top-end players from the CHL.”

McAllister played more than 260 games over five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League before becoming a four-year standout at St. Thomas, playing more than 100 AUS games in the green and gold. He’s a former AUS All-Star and was the conference’s Rookie of the Year in 2002-03.

“My time with STU led me to calling Fredericton my home for the past 20 years,” he said. “The Tommies and REDS rivalry was fantastic for many years, and I was fortunate to have experienced some of those games and will always carry great memories of my time at STU. UNB has created a legacy of success and winning, and my plan is to help foster that culture and I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

After graduation, McAllister played three seasons of pro hockey in the United and East Coast Hockey Leagues.

“He’s done a lot for minor hockey in Fredericton and helped develop a lot of young players in this city,” said Coach Hennigar. “He has a great passion for the game and is a smart hockey mind that will be key for our group.”

“I’m looking forward to working with the student-athletes to help them achieve their team and personal goals,” said McAllister.

McAllister assumes his duties with the REDS on Monday, August 11th.