DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Stars fired second-year coach Jim Montgomery on Tuesday for what the team called unprofessional conduct.

General manager Jim Nill said Montgomery had acted inconsistently with “core values and beliefs of the Dallas Stars and the National Hockey League.” He did not elaborate.

Nill said he became aware Sunday of an act by Montgomery and that the decision to relieve the coach of his duties came after an internal investigation that included discussions with the team’s general counsel. While again not going into detail, Nill said it was not a criminal act, and had no connection to present or past players.

Nill, who hired Montgomery, called the incident a “total surprise.”

Rick Bowness was named interim head coach.