Shaun Van Allen Joins Senators Hockey Department

[Thrillhouse]

OTTAWA – Ottawa Senators general manager John Muckler today announced that former Senator Shaun Van Allen joins the hockey department as director of player evaluation. Van Allen will be responsible for evaluating all players within the organization, including professional and minor league players, prospects, draft choices, college and junior players.

“Shawn had a lot of passion as a player, and I’m sure that will carry over to his new job,” said Muckler. “He certainly knows what it takes to play in the NHL, and we’re lucky to have a person of his experience and success.”

“With the new CBA, evaluation of our drafted players still playing junior or college hockey, as well as those with our AHL affiliate in Binghamton, brings on more significance in preparing for the NHL,” added Muckler. “Many of our prospects are on the verge of making the next step in their career. I believe that Shaun can offer them the direction and evaluation they require to keep them on track to strengthen the Senators line-up in the near future.”

A player for the Senators for six seasons (1996-97 to 1999-2000 and 2002-03 to 2003-04), Van Allen was known for his hard work on the ice and in the Ottawa community. In 465 games with the Senators, he had 133 points (44 goals and 89 assists) and 296 penalty minutes. Following his playing career, Van Allen worked with the Team 1200 Radio as part of the Senators radio broadcast team.

Van Allen, 39, played 12 seasons in the NHL and retired at the end of the 2003-04 campaign. An Edmonton Oilers pick, 105th overall, in the 1987 NHL draft, he played in 794 games, scoring 84 goals, 185 assists and adding 481 penalty minutes with Anaheim, Dallas, Edmonton, Montreal and Ottawa.