The resignations continue at the National Hockey League Players' Association.
On Sunday, Buzz Hargrove announced that he is leaving his post as interim Ombudsman for the NHLPA. He had held the role since March 1, 2009 after serving on the Advisory Board for five months prior to that. Eric Lindros was Ombudsman before Hargrove.
"After much reflection I have come to the conclusion that under the current circumstances at the NHLPA that I can not perform the duties of Ombudsman as outlined in the NHLPA constitution," said Hargrove in a media release. "Therefore I am resigning as interim ombudsman effective immediately."
Hargrove was the last remaining member of the NHLPA's eight-member Advisory Board. All of the others had resigned in recent weeks in a flurry of dissatisfaction over the direction of the Association. On Oct. 30, Interim Executive Director Ian Penny parted ways with the organization, and in the days following Steve Larmer quit his spot on the Advisory Board along with Ron Pink, Ian Troop and Ken Baumgartner. Outside counsel Paul Cavalluzzo also resigned.
By way of explanation for his decision to leave his post, Hargrove offered a few thoughts in his press release.
"In spite of some disagreements on issues with some of the executive board as well as disagreements with some advisory board members and staff, I have worked to try and strengthen the NHLPA," said Hargrove.
"I have come to the conclusion that I cannot under the current situation be effective in the role of the ombudsman or assist the leadership in building unity and solidarity that is necessary to move the NHLPA into the future.
"In spite of the fact I will no longer be with the NHLPA, I will cooperate fully with any review approved by the executive board of my conduct during my thirteen months with the NHLPA," explained Hargrove.
Hargrove is the former head of the Canadian Auto Workers union.
Much of the turmoil surrounding the NHLPA began in August when the 30-player Executive Board ousted Executive Director Paul Kelly.
