Thrashers fire Bob Hartley

Sports

Thrashers fire Bob Hartley

Staff and wire photos for retrospective gallery.

Thrashers head coach Bob Hartley was fired by the team Wednesday, a day after the team lost its sixth consecutive game to start the season.

Before the season began, Hartley and general manager Don Waddell, left, were confident the Thrashers could build on their NHL Southeast Division championship and the team's first playoff berth.

Known for his fiery temperament, Hartley won a Stanley Cup title with Colorado. But his methods at times didn't endear him to the Thrashers' younger players.

He took over for the Thrashers during the 2002-03 season as the team was laying the foundation for future success.

Near the end of the NHL lockout season of 2004-05, Hartley greets young fans at the Friendship Cup Hockey tournament at the Ice Forum in Duluth.

After the lockout ended, Hartley guided the Thrashers to two winning seasons in a row, although they were swept in the playoffs a year ago by the Rangers.

The high-powered Thrashers attack has been quiet and goalie Kari Lehtnonen has struggled this season, which put some early heat on Hartley.

After another listless Thrashers effort in a 4-0 loss to Philadelphia Tuesday, Waddell gave Hartley his walking papers. He was 136-123-32 in less than four full seasons. Waddell will coach the team on an interim basis.

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Thrashers head coach Bob Hartley was fired by the team Wednesday, a day after the team lost its sixth consecutive game to start the season.

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