Coyotes clean house

GLENDALE, Ariz., April 11 (UPI) -- The Phoenix Coyotes Wednesday fired three front office officials after another losing season ended last weekend.

General Manager Mike Barnett, Director of Hockey Operations Cliff Fletcher, and assistant General Manager Laurence Gilman all were given pink slips in the wake of the Coyotes' 31-46-5 record.

They were last in the Western Conference, and failed to reach the post-season for the first time since the 2002-03 season.

Phoenix has not won a playoff series since moving to Arizona from Winnipeg in 1996.

"Our entire organization wishes each of them good luck in their future endeavors, and we sincerely thank them for their contributions to this franchise," said Chief Executive Officer Jeff Shumway.

NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, the franchise's managing partner since June of 2000, will return as head coach in October.

"The organization will conduct a complete and thorough search for a general manager," Shumway said. "In the interim, Wayne Gretzky will oversee all aspects of hockey operations."