NHL union chief Ian Penny out

TORONTO, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Interim executive director Ian Penny parted ways with the NHL players union Friday, just two months after Paul Kelly was fired from the post.

Penny had been the NHL Players Association's legal counsel before getting the job on a temporary basis Kelly was dismissed just 22 months after being named to replace Ted Saskin, who was ousted for allegedly orchestrating spying on player e-mails connected to his being hired by the association. ESPN said Kelly apparently had gotten caught in a squeeze between different factions within the association.

"Interim executive director Ian Penny informed the NHLPA staff and the NHLPA executive board (today) that it is his position he has been constructively dismissed as interim executive director and can no longer work in the present circumstances," the NHL Players Association said in a statement. "Ian Penny is no longer employed by the NHLPA."

ESPN reported sources said NHLPA outside counsel Paul Cavalluzzo also resigned Friday, and advisory board members Dan O'Neill, Steve Larmer and Ron Lloyd stepped down Thursday night.

The union added that reports about its suspending operations are false, and a replacement for Penny was not named.