Senators president Mlakar leaving at end of June

Jun 15, 2009 - 10:02 PM OTTAWA(AP) -- Ottawa Senators president and CEO Roy Mlakar will not return when his contract expires at the end of the month, owner Eugene Melnyk said Monday.

Melnyk has promoted chief operating officer Cyril Leeder to president of the club and Senators Sports & Entertainment.

Joining Leeder will be Erin Crowe, who will serve as executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Bryan Murray, who will continue as the Senators general manager and will add executive vice president to his duties.

Mlakar's contract expires June 30 and the new appointments will take effect July 1.

"Roy Mlakar's leadership over the past 13 years has been an impressive journey of achievement and success," Melnyk said in a news release. "Roy has worked in professional sports for nearly 40 years. That depth of experience and leadership, along with his constant compassion and support for Ottawa's many charitable organizations has contributed greatly to defining the Ottawa Senators and our relationship with our community and our fans."

Melnyk is looking to eventually bring a MLS team to the city and says the new executive team will "be responsible for managing and more effectively integrating our current business as well as source future opportunities for growth beyond hockey."

The Senators missed the playoffs this season with a 36-35-11 record.