Hockey Capsules: Sharks CEO Jamison steps down from job
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — San Jose Sharks CEO Greg Jamison is stepping down from his job running the day-to-day operations of the club.
The team announced Wednesday that Jamison's last day as CEO will be Oct. 1. A search for a replacement will begin soon. Jamison will remain part of the ownership and will be the team's representative on the NHL's Board of Governors.
"I think the time is about right," Jamison said Wednesday. "The franchise is in incredible shape. We have an absolutely wonderful ownership group who cares deeply about the team. The management group is strong and we have an incredible group of players. I'm not going away, I'm just stepping back a little bit and look at life from a different point of view."
The 60-year-old Jamison took over as president of the team in 1996. In 13 seasons, the team has made the playoffs 11 times, made it to the Western Conference final twice and won the Presidents' Trophy in 2009 for the best record in the regular season. The Sharks were 530-377-155 during his tenure.
"I don't expect too many changes," Jamison said. "Our franchise is in great hands. I'm excited how we'll continue to grow as a franchise."
Jamison also hired Doug Wilson as general manager. Wilson has put together a perennial contender, including last year's team that lost to Chicago in the Western Conference final.
"We like working, playing and living in the San Jose area," Jamison said. "Going back to the first game we played here, it was against Chicago and we opened the doors and people were in awe of the new building."
Among his cherished memories are the Sharks' playoff run in 1993-94 and the sellout streak at the Pavilion.
"Even over the past few years this team we have now has continued the evolution," Jamison said. "Doug Wilson and the coaching staff has done a great job. I love what I'm doing. I have the greatest job in the world. I will always be a San Jose Sharks fan."
Demers facing third operation
MONTREAL (AP) — Jacques Demers, the former NHL coach turned Canadian senator, said he will have a third operation after nearly dying during a botched hernia procedure.
The 66-year-old Demers made his first public appearance since the initial operation when he joined Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Wednesday at an outdoor rally.
"This is something that is on my mind, but that's part of life and I have to be positive," Demers said. "It's my first big outing, I'm leaving a little early, but I thank God that he gave me a second chance."
Demers first had surgery June 29 at an Ottawa-area hospital.
"Accidentally, through human error, the doctor apparently cut a piece of plumbing — of the intestine — and it apparently spread through my body," Demers earlier told RDS, the French-language sports network where he worked as a hockey analyst.
With toxins flooding his body, Demers was forced to undergo a second operation.
The longtime NHL coach led the Montreal Canadiens to the 1993 Stanley Cup title.
NHL extends deadline on Kovalchuk deal
NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL has extended its deadline to Friday for approving Ilya Kovalchuk's $100 million, 15-year contract with the New Jersey Devils.
The league and the NHL Players' Association announced the new deadline Wednesday.
The NHL has already rejected a front-loaded, 17-year deal valued at $102 million because the structure of the deal would have circumvented the league's salary cap. An independent arbitrator upheld that decision.
The Devils and Kovalchuk submitted the new contract to the league last Friday.
"We remain optimistic that this extension will result in an approval of the contract and that Ilya Kovalchuk will remain a valuable member of the Devils for the balance of his career," Devils president Lou Lamoriello said. "We will have no further comment until the decision is rendered."
