TORONTO -- Buzz Hargrove stepped down as interim ombudsman of the NHL Players' Association on Sunday, telling the union's executive board and office staff that he no longer felt able to perform his duties.

"I have come to the conclusion that I cannot under the current situation be effective in the role of the ombudsman or assist the leadership in building unity and solidarity that is necessary to move the NHLPA into the future," Hargrove said.

The former Canadian Auto Workers head spent 13 months at the NHLPA, working on the advisory board before replacing Eric Lindros as interim ombudsman in February.

The NHLPA confirmed his resignation and declined further comment.

Hargrove's departure is the latest development in a turbulent period that began when NHLPA executive director Paul Kelly was fired during an overnight meeting in August. That set off a wave of departures that eventually included Kelly's interim replacement, Ian Penny, and the entire eight-member advisory board.

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