Wednesday, May 16, 2001
Cyclones let GM-coach Smith go
By Cliff Peale
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Ron Smith is out as general manager and coach of the Cyclones after six seasons.
The owners of the team, unable to pay debts and operating under bankruptcy protection, reached a deal with creditors last week to “reject” Smith's $110,000-per-year contract.
Lawyers said if a new team moves here and plays under the Cyclones name, it probably would bring its own coach.
With the future of the International Hockey League in doubt and with the rival American Hockey League expanding, the Cyclones might operate in a lower-level minor league next year.
Timothy Miller, a lawyer for the Cyclones and Firstar Center, said the team will fund Smith's salary through May.
Smith could not be reached for comment Tuesday. His contract with the Cyclones also included a car and escalating bonuses for playoff appearances and postseason series victories.
Smith, a former NHL New York Rangers head coach, was named Cyclones coach in August 1995. In six seasons, his teams posted a 266-172-54 regular-season record. His teams reached the IHL's Eastern Conference finals twice.
The owners of the Cyclones and Firstar Center filed for bankruptcy in mid-March. They owe Provident Bank about $30 million.
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