Hamilton Bulldogs fire assistant coach Ron Wilson

The Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League fired assistant coach Ron Wilson on Tuesday over a difference in philosophies.

Wilson, no relation to the former coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was in his second stint in Hamilton, having been a coach from 2003 to 2009 and before rejoining the organization for the 2011-12 season. The 56-year-old Toronto native was head coach of the club during part of the 2008-09 campaign.

"I met with Ron earlier today and notified him that he was relieved of his duties," first-year head coach Sylvain Lefebvre said in a statement. "This was a difficult decision to make, but due to a difference in philosophy, we felt it was best to part ways."

Wilson retired as a player in 1996 after 832 NHL games, including a season with the Bulldogs' parent club, the Montreal Canadiens, in 1993-94.