Colorado Springs, CO (My Sportsbook) - USA Hockey announced Tuesday that Doug Palazzari has stepped down as executive director, effective immediately.

Palazzari spent the last six years as executive director of USA Hockey and a national search will begin immediately to find his successor.

"Under Doug's leadership over the past several years, the national office has been successfully re-organized, the United States has been highly competitive in international play and financially, we are looked to with envy by many of our fellow national governing bodies," said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. "We thank Doug for his passionate service to USA Hockey and wish him nothing but the best in the future."

A member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, Palazzari started with USA Hockey in 1991 and directed the organization's youth and education programs until he was appointed executive director in the summer of 1999.

Palazzari spent eight seasons (1974-82) with the St. Louis Blues and registered 18 goals and 20 assists in 108 regular-season games.

"I enjoyed my time at USA Hockey tremendously," said Palazzari. "I'm proud of the things that have been accomplished over the past six years and know that the organization will continue to make great strides as it moves forward. It was time for a change, both for myself and USA Hockey."