Brian Burke, the President of Hockey Operations for the Calgary Flames says the search has begun for a new general manager for the team.
Burke made the announcement shortly after 10 a.m. on Thursday that Jay Feaster will be relieved of his duties effective immediately. The Flames have also fired assistant GM John Weisbrod.
Burke told a news conference on Thursday that he would be taking on the role of GM until a new one is found. "I'm going to serve as acting general manager until a new GM is hired. The search has already begun. We've received permission to interview one candidate already and we'll seek permission to interview several others today."
He also emphasized that his role as GM would only be temporary. "I did not come here to be GM. I will not be the GM other than for a short time."
Burke took some time to thank Feaster for his service and said that his work on the team will be felt for years. "Jay's a good man. He did his best and he's a good person."
He says that they needed to fire Feaster and Weisbrod to get the team to the next level.
The firings will be the only changes Burke will be making to the team. "There will be no further changes. I'm very happy with the coaching staff."
Feaster joined the team back in July 2010 as assistant general manager. He was soon promoted to the top job the following December, but the team has struggled under his guidance.
The Calgary Flames are 11-15-4 this season with 26 points. They have gone 5-4-1 in their last ten games.
Feaster's departure leaves Brian Burke, who was named as the team's president of hockey operations just three months ago, in charge.
There are no details so far on who would be replacing Feaster or Weisbrod.
