The Copper & Blue, an Edmonton Oilers community

Of the five players on the executive committee who voted against dismissing Kelly, four of them were Chelios, Shawn Horcoff of the Edmonton Oilers, Adam Burish of Chicago Blackhawks and Manny Malhotra of the Columbus Blue Jackets. For the record, Chelios would not say which way he voted and what his feelings were on the issue. It is interesting to note, however, he did deliver the statement from the NHLPA on the firing the day after it occurred.

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.

"All of these stories, whether anonymous or by those seeking to protect their individual interests, intend to defame my reputation and good name. They not only harm me, but do harm to the reputation of the over 700 hockey players who make our sport the best in the world."

The NHLPA is in a better place today than when I came aboard 21 months ago. I have enormous respect and admiration for the players and for the staff at the NHLPA -- they are a bright, energetic fabulous group of people.

"My primary goal was to protect the players' interests. I wanted to make sure the players got their fair share, that they weren't being deceived or manipulated or having their rights violated."

"I'm not going to talk about internal union matters. I subscribe to the theory that what happens in locker room stays in the locker room. I'm motivated by what's best for the players -- what protects the players and protects their interests."