Union Unrest

Kelly Out As NHL Union Boss After Just 22 Months

In a sudden and surprising development, the unrest surrounding Paul Kelly's leadership at the NHLPA ends with the union's 30 player reps voting to remove him as Exec Dir after less than two years. The push to oust Kelly, first reported late last week, culminates with a 10-hour meeting extending past 3:30am ET this morning that leaves Kelly "visibly upset." The players heard a presentation from NHLPA interim Ombudsman Buzz Hargrove about Kelly's "flaws," as well as a quietly-compiled report from a five-player committee and an HR consulting firm. It remains unclear what exactly caused the unrest -- Kelly appeared to bring calm to a union after several tumultuous years -- but many are citing Eric Lindros' contentious resignation as union Ombudsman earlier this year as the first sign of discontent among membership. With the CBA set to expire in two years, the union's future suddenly faces even more uncertainty.