Paul Kelly(college hockey excutive inc)fired

[cbrooks]

TeamsCollege Hockey:

Sources: Commissioners told Kelly to resign or be fired as College Hockey Inc. executive director

By Todd D. Milewski • Executive Editor • Feb. 20, 2012

Paul Kelly was given a choice Monday to resign or be fired as executive director of College Hockey Inc., sources said, and he chose the former.

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.

The announcement was made Monday afternoon by the Hockey Commissioners Association, which controls College Hockey Inc.

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.

But the final straw, the sources said, was Kelly recently approaching athletic directors from some ECAC Hockey schools about meeting to give College Hockey Inc. a more leading role in the administration of Division I men’s hockey.

Kelly could not immediately be reached for comment.

“The HCA would like to thank Paul for his service to CHI and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Steve Hagwell, Hockey Commissioners Association president and ECAC Hockey commissioner, said in a statement.

The commissioners group also said in the statement that it expects to discuss a “different course” for the executive director position. A replacement for Kelly was not immediately announced.

Kelly, the former executive director of the National Hockey League Players Association, was hired in November 2009 by the commissioners to run College Hockey Inc.

College Hockey Inc. was formed by the commissioners as a central marketing vehicle for college hockey. It is funded in part by a grant from the NHL through USA Hockey.

Read more: http://www.uscho.com/2012/02/20/kelly-re.../#ixzz1myRUSHqX

[Bear55]

I have to admit I havn't followed this that closely and don't know many details but Kelly was suppose to defend and promote college hockey, to me he came off a little whiney and didn't get much done. Again just from what little I know, maybe someone can fill me in if he did anything productive.

[cbrooks]

It sounded like he really pizz off the Ivy schools which did him in. I have the same take as you bear. He fell short of promoting college hockey although I have to say with the recent national coverage with NBC sports will really spark some interest to other sports fans. I wonder how much of that you can credit to the Big Ten. I admit I haven't followed real close but I hope more info will surface.

[solbes]

Looks like Nate Ewell is the new CHInc in charge. He was within the organization and has some history with the Caps in their media department. See Link below:

Nate Ewell Promotion Link

[cbrooks]

It sounded like the Kelly resignation wasn't popular with alot of the coaches.

http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2012/02/23_emotions_run_high_after_kellys.php

It seems to me he crossed the NCAA

[Bear55]

Hold on now, if the NCAA doesn't like him maybe I want him back.

[cbrooks]

If I'm reading this right. It looks like Kelly got fired for the wrong reasons. In the statement that was released by CHA(college hockey association) they painted a picture that Kelly was having a power struggle. Maybe thats the case but the CHA wanted a puppet instead. I'm not exactly sure who the CHA is exactly.Is it a branch of the NCAA, USA hockey or the NHL since they give College hockey Inc a grant. Not really sure who Kelly crossed between those three. I liked some of Kelly's ideas that some of the college coaches said about him. He was looking to level the recruiting competition between the CHL and college hockey. He knew how to get it done and was looking to address it for next year. Is that what got him fired? This is gonna get alot more interesting.

[Bear55]

After looking into this a little more I am starting to like Kelly, seems like he wanted to make some changes and get things done. That usually doesn't sit well with NCAA types.

[cbrooks]

One thing I learn this year Bear. There is no democracy when your working for the NCAA.

[cbrooks]

Kelly tells his side of the story

http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/2012/02/24/paul-kelly-explains-surprise-resignation-what-comes-next/