NHLPA dismisses boss Paul Kelly

CHICAGO (AP) -- Paul Kelly is out as executive director of the NHL Players' Association.

The union announced at its annual meeting Monday that its executive board voted "overwhelmingly" to remove Kelly. The executive board is made up of one player from each of the 30 teams.

Kelly held the job for less than two years. The NHLPA didn't give a reason, saying that after a review of the "overall operation of the NHLPA, it was decided that Paul Kelly should no longer continue to serve as executive director."

The union said it would immediately form a committee to find a replacement.

Kelly, a Boston lawyer, represented Marty McSorley when the former NHL defenseman was charged with assault with a weapon by Vancouver authorities after he hit Donald Brashear in the head with a stick.

Kelly succeeded Ted Saskin, who was fired amid allegations he ordered the spying of NHLPA player e-mail in the midst of a membership uprising against his leadership.