Kamloops To Gm Brown: Thanks, And Close The Door

An unexpected thing happened when one of the most successful general managers in Canadian junior hockey arrived at work Monday morning.

Bob Brown was fired, even though he has nine consecutive Western Hockey League winning seasons and three Memorial Cup titles with the Kamloops Blazers.

Team president Colin Day said power, not money, was the main issue in the decision.

“Bob has had total control and made all the decisions the last six or eight months with no input from the board of directors,” said Day, who directs the Blazers’ five-member elected board.

“We have to take back control of the hockey club. We can’t turn it into a one-man show. There was some staff unrest … It’s time to spread the credit around.”

Stu MacGregor, who Brown hired as the Blazers’ assistant general manager four years ago, will take over the general manager’s role on an interim basis, Day said.

Brown, 50, said he couldn’t believe his ears when told of his dismissal and again later when he heard Day’s comments.

“I was pretty shocked to say the least,” said Brown, who helped the Blazers to an unprecedented third Memorial Cup title in four years on May 21.

“I had no idea, not even an inkling. As far as too much control, it has never been an issue before. If there was a difference of opinion, usually we worked things out. I guess not this time.”

In addition to leading the Blazers to Memorial Cup wins in 1992, ‘94 and ‘95, Brown guided the team to four WHL playoff titles, six regularseason crowns and seven West Division championships.

Under Brown, the Blazers’ regular-season record was 435-184-29 (.693).