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A GM got axed......

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A GM got axed...... Empty A GM got axed......

Post by steamed Wed Mar 31, 2010 4:34 pm

Twohey's time with Petes done



The Jeff Twohey era is over.

After 29 years with the Peterborough Petes, including 17 as general manager, Twohey was informed Wednesday his contract will not be renewed for the 2010-11 season, Petes' president Ken Jackman told The Examiner.

Contract extensions will not be offered to head coach Ken McRae or assistants Ryan Barnes and Joe Cirella, at this time. Their status will be dependent upon the hiring of a new GM, said Jackman.


The search for replacements will begin immediately.

Jackman said it was a difficult day for the organization. Twohey's departure is effective immediately.

"The decision was not an easy one, but based on a business decision taking all factors into consideration," said Jackman. "From the 2006 championship to the present time the results have not met the desired expectation. Hockey, among other sports, is a results, expectations-oriented business. The board has a responsibility to our season ticket subscribers, fans and sponsors. As a result, a change in management and overall direction was necessary.

"This is a sad day in the history of the Peterborough Petes. Jeff has been part of the Petes' organization for 29-plus years," said Jackman. "Jeff is well known and respected throughout the Ontario, Canadian and National hockey leagues. Jeff was a quality individual who was fiercely loyal to the Petes organization and had an unwavering work ethic. We sincerely wish Jeff all the best in his future hockey endeavours."

Jackman said the executive can't commit to the coaching staff without determining the status of the GM's position. The club has not decided what direction to go with the position, but Jackman didn't rule out the possibility of combining the coach/GM positions.

"Although under contract until June 30, 2010, Ken and Ryan will be free to pursue any coaching opportunities which arise prior to June 30," said Jackman. "They will not be denied the opportunity to reapply for their respective coaching positions upon the appointment of a new general manager."

What made the decision difficult is the quality of the people involved, Jackman said.

"They are quality, top people. The average fan has no idea of the commitment and dedication Jeff, Ken, Ryan and Joe put into this club. They all have young families and the time away from the families they put into this club most people don't realize," he said. "There is no magic bullet out there. It's going to take a while to turn this thing around."

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Twohey told The Examiner he was not prepared to make a comment at this time.

"Maybe down the road," he said, in an email.

Jackman acknowledged public pressure was a factor in the decision.

"It's no secret our numbers were down," Jackman said. "There are various reasons for that. We've heard it loud and clear they weren't happy and were seeking some changes. You can't always have the fan or crowd dictate how you do your business. On the other hand, they are our shareholders and you do have to listen to them when there are empty seats in the crowd. That's why it came down to a business decision."

The changes come after the Petes posted their fourth consecutive losing season and third straight first-round playoff exit after also missing the playoffs in 2006-07. The Petes are 1-12 in the post-season since winning the OHL championship in 2006.

Twohey is the longest serving employee in the Petes' 54-year history. He was a part of OHL championships in 1989, '93, '96 and 2006.

The Lindsay native joined the club in the early 1980s as a scout while attending Laurentian University's sports administration program. He joined the team as a full-time employee in 1983-84 as a trainer. He worked his way up the ranks apprenticing in every aspect of the organization from scouting to marketing, training, serving as assistant coach and also assistant GM until he took over as GM in 2003-04 after Dick Todd's departure to the NHL.

As GM, Twohey guided the team to OHL championships in 1996 and 2006. His teams posted a regular season record of 516-507-124. The team was 68-74 in post-season play including Memorial Cups. He received the Bill Long Memorial Award from the OHL for distinguished service to the league in 2006. Over the years Twohey has served as general manager of all-star teams, served on various committees and consulted for Hockey Canada's world junior program.

McRae and Barnes coached the Petes the past two seasons posting a 57-72-7 overall record. The club was swept in each playoff season by the Brampton Battalion last year and Mississauga St. Michael's Majors this season.
steamed
steamed

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Location : The Shwa
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Registration date : 2007-02-19

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