News: Paul Kelley Fired
The NHLPA has fired its Executive Director Paul Kelley, reports Daren Dreger of TSN.
The decision was made by the Executive Board of the NHLPA which is made up of one representative per NHL team.
Entering the meetings Kelly’s demise was highly speculated based on the belief a number of players and watchdog PA staff had grown weary with his direction, sources claiming Kelly didn’t do a good enough job getting to know the players.
It was also suggested Kelly’s relationship with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly was perceived by some as being too close.
With many changes inside the association including a revamped constitution, a newly formed executive board, and ombudsman role and advisory board, those remaining will say growing pains inside the association took their toll and Paul Kelly’s demise is the latest example of the PA’s ongoing internal struggle.
Kelley had been on the job for less than two full years, replacing Ted Saskin in October of 2007. Saskin was alleged to have been spying on the players and reading their emails.
