Tampa Bay Lightning GM Feaster resigns

TAMPA, Fla., July 11 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Jay Feaster announced his resignation Friday, saying it was "time to move on."

Feaster held the job since the 2001-02 season. The Lightning won the Stanley Cup championship on 2004.

A change in the team's ownership was a factor in his decision, Feaster said.

Len Barrie and Oren Koules became owners of the team last month. Soon thereafter, Brian Lawton was hired as vice president of hockey operations and Barry Melrose as coach.

."For the past two weeks I have watched from the sidelines as Brian Lawton, Len Barrie and Oren Koules executed to perfection the game-plan they shared with us prior to the NHL Draft in Ottawa," Feaster said.

"During that time it became apparent to me that this new ownership group did not need my advice or expertise, and I came to the conclusion that it was time to move on. When I expressed that sentiment to Oren and Len they immediately agreed to honor my contract and accept my resignation."