Washington (AFP) – Bill Peters resigned Friday as coach of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, having failed to lead the team to the playoffs in four seasons behind the bench.
The 53-year-old Canadian went 137-138 with 53 over-time losses during his tenture but only in his inaugural campaign did Carolina manage a winning record.
“I feel like this is a good time to move on, and I am looking forward to my next challenge,” Peters said.
The team, purchased by entertainment and financial services entrepreneur Tom Dundon in January, is also seeking a new general manager after reassigning Ron Francis last month.
“I feel the incoming general manager should have the ability to hire his own head coach,” Peters said.
“This business requires hard work and long hours and I greatly appreciate the efforts of the many people I have worked alongside during the past four years.”
Peters coached Canada to a title at the 2016 World Championships and will guide the Canadian squad in next months worlds in Denmark.
Peters is reportedly being eyed by the Calgary Flames, from his home province of Alberta. The Flames fired coach Glen Gulutzan on Tuesday after missing the playoffs.
Whoever takes over the Hurricanes will be trying to revive a club that last reached the playoffs in 2009, losing to Pittsburgh in the Eastern Conference finals. Carolina won its only Stanley Cup in 2006.
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