Allen Americans Introduce Head Coach
The Allen Americans, the newest Central Hockey League (CHL) franchise, announced today the staff that will guide the team’s on-ice efforts during their inaugural 2009-10 season. American’s President Steve Duchesne made the announcement.
The staff will be comprised of Dwight Mullins as the team’s head coach and general manager and Bill McDonald as the team’s associate coach and director of hockey operation.
"We are excited to have two quality individuals directing our hockey operations,” said Americans President Steve Duchesne. “Dwight brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to coaching our hockey club, and Bill compliments that with his experience and winning ways. Both have had tremendous success together in the past and we feel confident in the direction they will lead the Allen Americans."
Mullins is well known in the Dallas/Fort Worth area formerly playing in the CHL with the Fort Worth Fire (1994-97) captaining them to a CHL Championship (1997). He began his coaching career in the 1998-99 season as the assistant coach for the Fort Worth Brahmas in their inaugural campaign (helped lead the Brahmas to the Western Professional Hockey League finals). Most recently, Mullins coached the North American Hockey League’s Texas Tornados to their ninth consecutive playoff appearance.
The Calgary, Alberta native’s relationship with the Dallas Stars (NHL) was instrumental in the American’s previous announcement that positions the team as the primary ‘AA’ affiliate of the Stars. Mullins was selected by the Stars as the 90th overall selection in the 1985 NHL Draft. He has also been a guest coach with the Dallas Stars Summer Draft/Rookie Development Camp for the past 6 years.
He currently resides in Lantana, Texas with his wife Christy and daughter Macy.
McDonald brings more than 19 years professional experience to the staff serving in various areas including coaching, management and as a player. His 15 year coaching career, the Thunder Bay, Ontario native has led his clubs to six final’s appearances winning four championships. His 626 career games coached (second) in the CHL and 319 career wins (fourth) rank him among the league’s all-time leaders. Winning championships in three different leagues, McDonald was the head coach of the 1997 CHL Champion Fort Worth Fire that Mullins served as the captain. McDonald was also the head coach of the inaugural season of the Brahmas, the same team that Mullins served as the assistant coach.
The Americans begin play this fall calling the brand-new Allen Event Center home. More team announcement are scheduled for this week. For more information, contact the Americans at (972) 912-1000 or visit the team’s website at www.allenamericans.com.
