Vancouver Canucks fire GM Nonis

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 15 (UPI) -- The Vancouver Canucks fired General Manager Dave Nonis after the team missed the playoffs this year by three points.

Team chairman Francesco Aquilini issued a statement Monday night about his decision, the Toronto Globe and Mail reported.

"The decision to relieve Dave of his duties was difficult," Aquilini's statement said. "I think this important change in leadership is critical to the future of the team and the direction we need to take. It's not acceptable to our fans or to us as owners that our team isn't in the playoffs."

Nonis has been GM for four seasons, one of them the lock-out year. Last season under his management, the Canucks posted a record 105-point campaign and the team advanced to the second round of the playoffs.

This year, the Canucks ended 11th in the Western Conference and hold the 10th selection in the NHL draft in June.