>“Diamond” Dave Allen began his journey into the world of broadcasting in 1978 at age 12, by taking a tape recorder to Cincinnati Reds games and calling the action. He hasn’t looked back since. Born and raised in Butler County, Allen returned to his roots in 2002, replacing longtime radio voice John Walton. But it was long before that when he first got his “official” start in the business. Well traveled in the broadcasting industry, Allen’s first on air play-by-play was at WTRE-AM in Greensburg, IN, however, his first on-air sports announcing job was as a color commentator for a pro boxing match in St. Paul, IN. He has done on-site reporting for USA Radio Network, WFAN in New York, KCFX in Kansas City and KTAR in Phoenix. He also worked for the NFL office on their Sportsphone service (in the days before the Internet explosion), and was part of the start-up of SportsLine USA, now known as CBS SportsLine.

And that was just the non-hockey experience.

He called selected games for the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, when they began in 1997, which landed him his first play-by-play position in Huntington, WV with the Blizzard in 1998. He called a couple of playoff games for the Dayton Bombers filling in for Greg Waddell in 2000. Then, it was on to Greensboro, NC for the 2000-01 season as Voice of the Generals (ECHL).

However, there was one thing more important to Allen…and that was coming home…to Southwest Ohio. As Miami Hockey was on the air via WHSS-FM at the time, Allen says that the situation…was a perfect fit.
“The radio signal was good and I’d be back in broadcasting close to my home, and I love announcing hockey. Being able to again announce hockey games close to home and to be a part of the sport was the real attraction.”

“Love and Honor to Miami,” goes the fight song. But it’s much more than just a lyric to Allen.
“Getting on board with Miami hockey was the absolute best thing to happen to me in my professional life and my joy of being here grows every day,” he said. “I feel completely blessed to be at Miami. To be a part of the magic and excitement that is game night at Steve Cady Arena is something that I don’t believe even the NHL could top.”

Finally, when asked if there was anything he had yet to do in hockey, but would eventually like to do, Allen provided an answer that many of the Miami faithful would love to hear.
“I’d love to say the words…”and the Miami RedHawks are the NCAA hockey champions”!

…wouldn’t we all?

Dave Allen’s Top 3 Miami Hockey Moments:

3. March 13, 2004: Todd Grant’s goal at 12:05 of overtime against Lake Superior State sends Miami back to “The Joe;” the team’s first appearance since the 1996-1997 season. Read.

2. March 11, 2006: Another OT thriller. Alec Martinez scores against Western Michigan at 17:00 of the extra period to send Miami to the semifinals of the CCHA Championship at “The Joe.” Martinez’ goal was the final tally at Goggin Ice Arena. Read.

1. January 24, 2006: 2 goals in the final :22 by Mitch Ganzak and Marty Guerin lift the RedHawks past the Western Michigan Broncos 4-3. Read or watch and listen to Allen’s call.