Kings overhaul Monarchs’ coaching staff

Manchester Monarchs head coach Jim Hughes and assistant coach Derek Clancey have been relieved of their duties effective immediately, Los Angeles Kings assistant general manager Ron Hextall announced on Saturday.

"We certainly wish Jim and Derek the best in their future endeavors," said Hextall. "However, coming into the situation recently and evaluating it, I, though it was a difficult decision to make, felt we needed to make this change to help strengthen the franchise going forward. Winning and the development of our top prospects remains the goal here with the Monarchs. The search for a new coaching staff begins immediately."

Hughes served as head coach of the Monarchs for one season, posting a 43-30-3-4 regular season record (third place in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division) and a 3-4 record in the playoffs as the Monarchs lost in the first round to Hartford.

Prior to being named head coach, Hughes served as the club’s assistant coach for two seasons.

Clancey was in his first season with the Monarchs. He had previously worked as head coach of the Reading Royals, the Kings’ ECHL affiliate.