Dan Allen Named Head Boys’ Varsity Hockey Coach

Allen joins VA after a three-year stint with the Saint Michael’s Purple Knights in Burlington, VT as their top assistant. While at Saint Michael’s, Dan helped in all aspects of the program. Along with recruiting high-level players, he was responsible for game preparation including player development, tracking and monitoring student-athletes’ academics, assisting with fundraising efforts, and implementation of on-ice drills, specifically faceoff plays and the power play. While with the Purple Knights he also served as the Director of Hockey Operations for the CSB (Chittenden South Burlington) Hockey Club, a coach for USA Hockey Team Vermont Selections and a coach at the Elite Hockey Training Center during the summer. He holds a USA Hockey Level 4-certification.

Prior to Saint Michael’s Allen was an assistant coach at his alma-mater Western Connecticut State University (ACHA) for two seasons. With the Colonials, Allen assisted with on-ice practice design, provided personalized instruction on offensive tactics, and recruited players.

A native of Brookfield, CT, Allen has accumulated an abundance of hockey experience, serving as ice hockey director at Danbury Ice Arena between 2015 and 2016 after working as the assistant director the three years prior. In his various roles, he was responsible for not only the day-to-day operations and scheduling but also marketing and promotions.

As an undergraduate, Allen competed at Salve Regina for one season in 2008-09 before transferring to Western Connecticut State University where he finished his playing career. He served as an assistant captain for two years and captain as a senior, he was also named a Northeast Collegiate Hockey Association (NECHA) All-Star as a sophomore and earned All-New England accolades as a senior. He graduated in 2013 with a degree in history.

Head of School Dr. Jennifer L. Zaccara said, “Dan has real experience in coaching and recruiting, and he is eager to build a strong hockey program at Vermont Academy. He knows the New England hockey world and prep school hockey as well. One other interesting fact is that we are both from Brookfield, CT!”

“I would like to thank Director of Athletics, Alexei Sotskov, Head of School Jennifer Zaccara, as well as the search committee for this incredible opportunity to become the next Head Coach of Vermont Academy Hockey,” Allen said. “I am truly honored to be a part of a school/program with such a rich tradition. I look forward to building upon the success of this program and furthering our reputation in the Lakes Region. I’d also like to thank Damian Digiulian and the entire St. Michael’s athletic staff for all the opportunities and experiences I had at St. Michael’s College.”

Allen will officially join our community on June 1, 2019 - we are very excited about his arrival!