The Latest from Hamilton: GM Chuck Taylor and George Weston have another run-in....

Tough time in Hamilton, GM Taylor holds a press conference...

After dropping a 6th straight game and losing two critical players in Evander Kane and Boone Jenner to injury Tigers GM Chuck Taylor called a press conference.

Walking to the podium an unhappy looking Taylor prepares to speak. Standing 6'4" and 300+ lbs looking more like an NFL lineman than a CCHL General Manger despite a faintly pinstriped charcoal grey suit.  "I will be making a prepared statement then fielding questions." He looks around the room then a faint look of relief shows on his face.  "After twelve games we are three and nine.  This is obviously unacceptable.  I will get back to that in a moment.  It looks like Boone Jenner is going to be out four to six weeks with an lower body injury and Evander Kane is day to day with a upper body injury.  This puts a bit of a crimp in out line-up but we have veterans Geoff Lupul and Matt Fraser ready to jump into the fray."

Stepping back a bit putting on a frank expression.  "As I said when I was hired 4 seasons ago this will be a long slow painful process but we are building through the draft and this is how Juggernauts are made.  We are not out here to make the playoffs.  We are out here to win the Kehler Cup and win it repeatedly."

His expression shifts to one of regret. Now lets get back to our current situation.  This team seems to have quit on Mike.  I had a meeting with him a few minutes ago and I officially relieved Iron Mike Keenan of his duties.   Assistant coach Kirk Muller will be taking over as interim coach. Conditioning Coach Gary Roberts will assume the role of assistant. I will take questions now."

He looks around seeing he gestures to a waiting Darren Dreger "It seems a bit early to pull the pin on Coach Keenan.  Can you tell us your reasoning" Taylor nods "I held meetings with a few players after watching what I would consider a listless practice.  The players weren't listening to Mike anymore.  They had lost confidence. That is a situation he could not recover from."

Glancing the other direction he motions to Eric Engels.  "Will Evander be available for the game against rival Montreal?"  Taylor shakes his head "I doubt it.  He will be out at least a week"

A thin balding man in a barely presentable tweed suit, carrying a messenger bag and reeking of Wisers pushes his way to the front. "When are you going to give up and quit so we can get a competent GM?"  Taylor shakes his head "Who let him in.  I thought the Spectator fired you George?"  Weston looks predatory "I have my own blog not.  It's called Chuck Taylor is clown shoes"  He then reaches into the messenger bag pulls out a huge pair of floppy shoes and throws them at Taylor.

Taylor dodges then walks off the platform.