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Barber Resigns As Player Personnel Director For Lightning

TBO.com Staff Report

Published: June 25, 2008

TAMPA BAY – Bill Barber resigned Wednesday as the player personnel director for the Lightning, saying the demands of the job had "taken a bit of a toll" and that he wants to spend more time with his family.

Tampa Bay Lightning Director of Player Personnel Bill Barber has submitted his resignation, effective July 1st, it was announced by Executive Vice President and General Manager Jay Feaster.

"Bill Barber was an integral part of our success during the past six seasons and his recommendations on player personnel helped us win the Stanley Cup in 2004," general manager Jay Feaster said in a press release. "Billy approached me at various times during the season and complained of the wear and tear the travel was taking on him, and he told me at the end of the season that he needed time to reflect on whether he wanted to continue in his role."

Barber, a member of the NHL Hall of Fame, joined the Lightning prior to the 2002-03 season after 18 years as a coach and scout in the Philadelphia Flyers organization.

In 12 NHL seasons as a player, all with the Flyers, he recorded 420 goals and 883 points in 903 games while winning two Stanley Cups.

Feaster said Barber told him that he planned to resign at the NHL Draft in Ottawa last week.

"It hasn't been a secret to anyone in the organization that the travel these past few years has taken a bit of a toll on me," Barber said. "I would like to spend some quality time with my family, they deserve that."

A new ownership group, OK Hockey, recently completed its purchase of the Lightning and lead owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie held their first press conference in Tampa on Monday. One day later, former ESPN analyst Barry Melrose was introduced as the team's new head coach to replace John Tortorella, fired after the Bolts finished with the worst record in the NHL last season.

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