McKendree University Athletics

Derek Pallardy is in his fifth season as the Head Coach for the women’s hockey program for McKendree University. Pallardy assumed the role as the Bearcats' head coach in May 2017 and has since helped guide the team to three consecutive National Championship Tournament appearances. 

Before being named Head Coach of the women's hockey team, Pallardy served as a member of the men’s hockey coaching staff since 2015. He originally joined the Bearcats as an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator before being elevated to the head coaching position for the McKendree ACHA Division III program in the fall of 2016.

A veteran of the professional hockey ranks, Pallardy played as a forward/defenseman for the Missouri Mavericks, Columbus Cottonmouths, and Knoxville Ice Bears during his five-year career.

Pallardy played his collegiate hockey at NCAA Division I Merrimack College, where he was a four-year member of the Warriors’ program. He served as team captain during his senior season. Pallardy graduated from Merrimack in 2008.

Before his arrival at McKendree, Pallardy served as an assistant coach for both the Chaminade College Prep hockey team as well as the St. Louis AAA Blues. During his time at Chaminade, Pallardy was the team’s director of skill development along with his assistant coaching duties. With the AAA Blues, he helped guide the program to a top-10 ranking in the nation.

During that time, Pallardy also worked with Synergy Hockey. There, he excelled as a skill development and power skating coach while also serving as an on- and off-ice program consultant. In 2013-14, after his final season playing professional hockey, he worked for Northern Edge Elite Hockey Schools as their St. Louis area’s lead instructor.

Pallardy resides in Maryland Heights, MO with his wife, Madison and 1 year-old daughter, Lennon.