College Hockey Inc. Exec Dir PAUL KELLY "was given a choice Monday to resign or be fired," and he "chose the former," according to sources cited by Todd Milewski of USCHO.com. An "erosion of trust in Kelly from the commissioners of college hockey’s five Division I men’s leagues led them to end Kelly’s two-plus-year term leading the promotional and marketing group." Sources "described a falling out between the commissioners and Kelly that had been a while in the making, based on a difference of opinions on College Hockey Inc.’s scope." The announcement was made Monday afternoon by the Hockey Commissioners Association, which controls College Hockey Inc. HCA President and ECAC Hockey Commissioner STEVE HAGWELL said in a statement, "The HCA would like to thank Paul for his service to CHI and wish him the best in his future endeavors" (USCHO.com, 2/20). Kelly, the former NHLPA Exec Dir, in a text message wrote, "Time to move on. I told them I'd give them two-three years to get the entity established and operational. It's been 28 months and it's time for a new challenge. Although I did enjoy being of service to the college; great group of coaches, media and other personnel" (ESPN.com, 2/20). No replacement has been chosen for Kelly, who was hired in November '09. The HCA said that it "expected to discuss a 'different course' for the executive director position" (AP, 2/20). ESPN's Craig Custance wrote on his Twitter feed, "Just spoke w/prominent college hockey coach surprised about Paul Kelly's resignation: 'We loved what he was doing, promoting our product'" (TWITTER.com, 2/21).
