Music: {allcanada} Sting fire GM, head coach Beaulieu on Thursday

Thursday, May 30, 2013

{allcanada} Sting fire GM, head coach Beaulieu on Thursday

SARNIA, Ont. — Jacques Beaulieu is out as general manager and head coach of the Sarnia Sting.

The Ontario Hockey League team announced his firing Thursday in a statement on its website.

"Effective immediately the ownership group of the Sarnia Sting has relieved Jacques Beaulieu of his duties as general manager and head coach," said team co-owner Rob Ciccarelli. "The reasons for his dismissal are not related to the on-ice performance of our hockey club.

"As per the advice of our lawyers we cannot comment any further at this time."

Beaulieu was nominated for the OHL coach of the year award after guiding the 35-28-1-4 Sting to a third-place finish in the Western Conference's West Division this past season. Sarnia was swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Plymouth Whalers.

Beaulieu and his son, Montreal Canadiens prospect Nathan Beaulieu, have each been charged with two counts of assault. The charges stem from an altercation at a house party in April that followed a charity golf tournament, Strathroy-Caradoc police said.

Two people suffered minor injuries, police said. A June 11 court date has been set.

Nathan Beaulieu was selected 17th overall by the NHL team in the 2011 entry draft. The 20-year-old defenceman had seven goals and 24 assists with the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs this past season.

He also appeared in six games with the Canadiens, registering two assists.

Jacques Beaulieu previously served as a head coach with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Saint John Sea Dogs, where he coached Nathan for one season, and as an assistant with the OHL's London Knights.

Beaulieu did not win the OHL coach of the year award. The Matt Leyden Trophy went to Whalers head coach Mike Vellucci.