The National Hockey League Players' Association voted to dismiss executive director Paul Kelly on Monday, less than two years after he took over the job.
The NHLPA executive board, comprised of representatives from each NHL team, announced the move at their annual meetings.
"Following the Executive Board's review of the overall operation of the NHLPA, it was decided that Paul Kelly should no longer continue to serve as Executive Director. We appreciate Mr. Kelly's service to our Association."
Kelly had been named the fourth executive director in NHLPA history in October 2007.
A search for his replacement will begin immediately.
Kelly, a former assistant US attorney for the District of Massachusetts was involved in the investigation of former NHLPA leader Alan Eagleson and was chosen to replace Ted Saskin, who was sacked amid allegations he ordered spying on NHLPA player e-mail related to his initial hiring.
Copyright 2009 AFP American Edition
