As Bucky Gleason opined this week, the NHLPA certainly has a way of making things ugly. It appears fired executive director Paul Kelly has been accused of reading confidential transcripts of union meetings, but the Boston lawyer steadfastly denies those reports.
"I cannot stand by and allow this false and misleading attack on my character and reputation," Kelly said in a statement released Thursday. "I spent almost 10 years as a federal prosecutor, prosecuting numerous cases pertaining to fraud and dishonesty, including one involving a former NHLPA executive director. My personal ethics and reputation are beyond reproach."
Although the players' official comments have been "no comment," Kelly is obviously not a fan of the leaks.
"The matter is being discussed by my legal representatives and those of the NHLPA," he said.
Glenn Healy, the NHLPA director of player affairs, has resigned in the wake of the Kelly firing.
*Sabres fans can get used to seeing Claude Julien behind the Boston bench, as the coach has received a contract extension.
*Former Sabres defenseman Philippe Boucher has hung up his skates.
*Versus has been pulled from DirecTV.
*NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly insists the Toronto Maple Leafs (nor any team for that matter) do not have veto power over a team moving into their territory.
---John Vogl
