R.J. (Bobby) Allan
In his heyday, Bobby Allan was in a class by himself, the finest lacrosse player in Canada. His consummate skill, agility and adroitness in faking a move made him one-of-a-kind. His backhand shot was a prototype move.
Allan won three scoring titles, three league MVP awards, and the Mike Kelly Award. His record of 89 goals in 29 games in 1956, in British Columbia, still stands. He played on four Mann Cup championship teams and another four Mann Cup finalists. The Mann Cup championship teams were Peterborough in 1954, Nanaimo, BC, in 1956, New Westminster, BC, in 1962 and in Peterborough again in 1966.
Later Bob moved into coaching, first with box lacrosse teams in Peterborough and Philadelphia, PA, and then as head coach of the Canadian National Field Lacrosse Team. His Peterborough teams won a Canadian Semi-Pro Title in 1969, a Mann Cup in 1973, and were Mann Cup finalists in 1970. His Canadian National Field team won the world championship in 1970 in Manchester, England. Bob was elected to the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1974.
Two interviews with Bob Allan follow. Both are presented by the Canadian Lacrosse Foundation.
Year Inducted:
1980
Status:
Active
In his heyday, Bobby Allan was in a class by himself, the finest lacrosse player in Canada. His consummate skill, agility and adroitness in faking a move made him one-of-a-kind. His backhand shot was a prototype move.
Allan won three scoring titles, three league MVP awards, and the Mike Kelly Award. His record of 89 goals in 29 games in 1956, in British Columbia, still stands. He played on four Mann Cup championship teams and another four Mann Cup finalists. The Mann Cup championship teams were Peterborough in 1954, Nanaimo, BC, in 1956, New Westminster, BC, in 1962 and in Peterborough again in 1966.
Later Bob moved into coaching, first with box lacrosse teams in Peterborough and Philadelphia, PA, and then as head coach of the Canadian National Field Lacrosse Team. His Peterborough teams won a Canadian Semi-Pro Title in 1969, a Mann Cup in 1973, and were Mann Cup finalists in 1970. His Canadian National Field team won the world championship in 1970 in Manchester, England. Bob was elected to the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1974.
Two interviews with Bob Allan follow. Both are presented by the Canadian Lacrosse Foundation.