Marty Williamson says he is disappointed that he will no longer coach the Niagara IceDogs.
The IceDogs announcing this afternoon that Williamson will not be returning as Head Coach/General Manager for the 2016/17 season.
The IceDogs say they will honour the final two years of Marty’s contract to allow him to pursue future options.
Williamson says he is disappointed and shocked, but respects the business decision.
He says he was approached by team owner, Bill Burke last week and the decision was finalized a few days ago.
Williamson tells CKTB's Larry Fedoruk the thought of leaving the team never even entered his mind following such a great playoff run.
He says his health did not play a role in the decision at all, and that he has a heart of a 20 year old.
Williamson is thanking the organization for the last 6 years, and the Niagara Region as a whole.
He says he is now taking time to decide the next chapter of his life and he's trying to focus on the positive.
He says he has no regrets.
Niagara IceDogs Owner Bill Burke tells CKTB this was the hardest decision of his business career, calling Marty a friend.
He says in business if you stay the status quo, someone else is getting better.
He says they have had great success over the past few years, but he believes they need a new identity and need to move in a different direction.
Burke says it's time to get to the next level and he wants an OHL championship the next time they have the opportunity.
The new head coach will be introduced on 610 CKTB at noon Friday.
The new hire will join Tom McConnell.