Kelly Out As NHLPA Head

((HT: GlobeSports/Wharnsby))

Paul Kelly ((pictured, thanks Adrian Wyld/CP)) has been fired as the NHLPA's executive director following more than 10 hours of meetings in Chicago that began Sunday and carried into the early hours of Monday. The decision to relieve Kelly of his duties less than two years into his leadership of the association was made by the 30 NHL team representatives who make up the NHLPA's executive board.

“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'', said a news release put out the association Monday morning. "We appreciate Mr. Kelly’s service to our Association."

NHLPA staff members Glenn Healy, the director of player affairs, Pat Flatley, the assistant director of player affairs and general counsel Ian Penny attended the proceedings. A source stated that both Healy and Flatley were pro-Kelly, while Penny wanted to see a change at the top.

Not long after Kelly was informed of his dismissal, Flatley resigned from the NHLPA.
According to one report Monday, interim ombudsman Buzz Hargrove said he has no interest in replacing Kelly as the association's executive director.

There also have been charges made from the pro-Kelly camp that former ombudsman Eric Lindros continued to play a behind-the-scenes role in the attempted coup.

TSN's Darren Dreger has more from Chicago