McCarthy steps down from post with Blues

A founding partner with previous ownership group, CEO will pursue other interests

By LOUIE KORAC
ST. LOUIS -- Mike McCarthy, one of the remaining pieces from the previous ownership group, announced on Friday that he has decided to step down from his post.

McCarthy, who has been the CEO of St. Louis Blues Enterprises, is a founding partner of the SCP Worldwide group that purchased the Blues and Scottrade Center in June of 2006. McCarthy, a Fairfield, Conn. resident, moved to St. Louis full time in September of 2010 to assume the role of CEO of the Blues. His responsibilities primarily focused on the business side of the Blues, Scottrade Center and the newly reopened Peabody Opera House.

Mike McCarthy

"With the ownership situation resolved here in St. Louis and on very solid footing with Tom Stillman and his group, I feel comfortable now going back home knowing that the organization has transitioned smoothly and professionally," McCarthy said in a statement. "I am now able with a clear conscience to pursue other interests and should have something to announce shortly in that regard.

"St. Louis is an amazing place to work and live, and I’ve especially understood that over the past two full seasons. The Blues, and of course Blues fans, are a major reason why I will always look back on my time here with great fondness. I thank my front office colleagues for making this journey a truly enriching professional experience."

Stillman, who along with 15 other partners purchased the Blues earlier this month, said of McCarthy in a statement: "Mike McCarthy has done an outstanding job managing the business of the Blues, the Scottrade Center, and the Peabody Opera House. He has done so at considerable personal sacrifice, as he has been away from his wife and family for long stretches of time.

"Having guided the business through the closing of the sale transaction, Mike has decided to return home to the New York area to continue his career. I want to thank Mike for his excellent work and his professionalism, and I wish him the very best in the future."

The Blues have not announced a replacement to the position, but if one is given, this will only fuel the persistent rumors of former Blue Brett Hull joining the organization in this capacity.

Also, there have been reports that team president John Davidson could leave his post as well, as early as next week. Davidson, who was brought in by previous owner Dave Checketts, was the architect that brought the Blues from the doldrums of when the franchise was bought in 2006 to its current place in the NHL, who was the second-highest point total (109) this past season.

The 59-year-old Davidson, who recently finished the first year of a four-year contract extension, has a clause that allows him to opt out with ownership change.

While Davidson has given no indication of his desire to leave, there is a realistic possibility he will do so to, as McCarthy has done, pursue other interests.