added 12:54pm,

VANCOUVER, B.C., - Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced today that Willie Desjardins was relieved of his duties as head coach, along with assistant coaches Doug Lidster and Perry Pearn.

"We made a very difficult decision to relieve Willie Desjardins of his duties as head coach today," said Benning. "It's been a challenging season and we all share responsibility for the results however, we felt this change was necessary as we continue to develop a young team and look ahead to the future. We're grateful to Willie, Doug, Perry and each of their families for their dedication and hard work and wish them every success."