Paul Kelly has been sacked as executive director of the NHL Players Association after less than two years as head of the union.

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"Following the executive board's review of the overall operation of the NHLPA, it was decided that Paul Kelly should no longer continue to serve as executive director," the association said in a statement.

"We appreciate Mr. Kelly's service to our Association."

Kelly's dismissal came following what was described as an "in-depth review" by player representatives from the NHL's 30 teams at the union's annual meeting in Chicago at the weekend.

The NHLPA said it would immediately begin putting together a search committee to fill the vacant post.