Aberdeen Lynx Ice Hockey Club has parted company with head coach Rod Ramsay with immediate effect.
The head coach, who has been with the club for almost two years, heads south due to an unforeseen change in circumstance.
Speaking after the announcement Ramsay, said: “Due to an unforeseen change in my circumstances, I require to move south, and because of this, sadly I have had to resign from my position as Aberdeen Lynx Head coach.
“I would like to fervently thank everyone in the Granite City for their support over the past year and a half.
“I am extremely proud to have witnessed the significant growth in the senior and junior ice hockey teams and I wish them all the best for the future.
“It is great to see that Aberdeen is now firmly a ‘hockey town’ and to move away with this in mind is extremely satisfying.
“For now, I leave the club in the very capable and passionate hands of individuals both in and around the game, and have no doubt that the game is going to continue to grow quickly in the city.
“I am sad to leave as I have made a great number of friends here, and although we suffered a setback against Moray Typhoons on Saturday, I have every confidence in the team that they will bounce back.”
Aberdeen Lynx Ice Hockey Club chairman, Martin Hill, added: “Whilst undoubtedly it is a huge blow to the club to lose a coach of the calibre of Rod, he can be extremely proud of his achievements here, especially with our junior sections and he leaves with our good wishes.
“He was widely liked by all the club members and has worked tirelessly coaching and promoting the club throughout his time with us. His knowledge and enthusiasm will be missed.”
The club will be left in safe ‘paws’ however, as player- assistant coach, Barry Carnegie, has agreed to step up to the role of head coach until the end of the 2015 season.