Wilson fired as San Jose coach

San Jose -- San Jose Coach Ron Wilson was dismissed Monday, a little over a week since the Sharks were eliminated in the second round of the NHL playoffs.

"Ron helped foster a new era in San Jose Sharks hockey with some record- setting regular-season performances," said San Jose General Manager Doug Wilson. "However, ultimately we have decided that it is time for a different voice and a different approach to lead this team."

Wilson, 51, directed the Sharks to a 49-23-10 record in the 2007-2008 regular season, the second-best mark in the Western Conference. San Jose lost in the conference semifinals to Dallas Stars, the second consecutive year they've failed to win more than one playoff round.

Wilson replaced Darryl Sutter as the sixth head coach in franchise history back in December 2002. He finished the campaign with a 206-134-45 record in 385 games with San Jose over four-plus seasons.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.