After being removed as the NHLPA’s executive director last month, Paul Kelly has decided to stay on as a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s board. Kelly immediately received support from HHOF chairman Bill Hay when the 30-player NHLPA executive board fired him and was overwhelmed at the ovation he received at the NHL Alumni Gala Dinner in Toronto last week.
He informed Hay via a letter on Tuesday that he would remain on the HHOF board. A copy of the letter was sent by Kelly’s Boston-based public relations firm.
Dear Bill:
I want to begin by thanking you and Scotty Morrison for the thoughtful calls of support. As you may know, while I was concerned about attending last week's NHL
Alumni Gala Dinner honoring Scotty and Gordie Howe given the recent unfortunate events at the NHLP A, I was humbled by the ovation that I received from the attendees at the dinner. It was gratifying to me that many of the legends and builders of the game recognized that my commitment while at the Players Association was always to the players and the game of hockey.
I also want to thank you and the Board for the invitation to remain as a member of the Board of Directors of the Hockey Hall of Fame. After much thought and reflection, I have decided to continue on as a Board member. It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve this prestigious institution along side my esteemed colleagues on the Board, who are so clearly dedicated to honoring and preserving the history of this great game. I am grateful that the Board believes that I have contributed in a meaningful way over the past 21 months, and that my continued presence and participation is welcomed.
It is my intention to attend the Board meeting in Toronto on September 29th, and the Induction Celebration on November 9th. I will look forward to seeing you at that time. Thanks again for your friendship and support and please extend my thanks to fellow board members for the confidence they express to me by this request to continue my service to the Hall of Fame.
Sincerely,
Paul Kelly
