BOSTON, June 27, 2006 (AFP) - Mike Sullivan was fired on Tuesday, ending a two-year stint as the head coach of the Boston Bruins.

Interim general manager Jeff Gorton made the announcement, but the firing of Sullivan appears to be the first significant move made by incoming GM Peter Chiarelli, who was hired on May 26.

Sullivan led the Bruins to the best record in the Northeast Division in 2003-04, but they lost in the first round of the National Hockey League playoffs. This past season, Boston stumbled to a last place finish in the division.

No replacement for Sullivan has been announced, but with the free agent signing period set to begin Saturday, a decision is likely imminent.