Former University of Maine athletic director and athletic business manager Stu Haskell is stepping down as the commissioner of Hockey East, but will continue as commissioner of the North Atlantic Conference.

Haskell succeeded Lou Lamoriello as commissioner of Hockey East on June 20, 1988, and he has also been the commissioner of the NAC.

“Stu decided that since the NAC has grown to 19 sports and all are championship events, the work load had reached the point where he didn’t feel he could do justice to both,” said University of Maine AD Mike Ploszek.

Ploszek praised Haskell for the job he did as commissioner of Hockey East, saying, “Stu has left the league in great financial condition. There is almost $300,000 in the league treasury and to do that with the economic challenges of the last few years is incredible.”

Haskell was out of town and unavailable for comment.

Ploszek, Providence College Athletic Director John Marinatto and Merrimack College AD Bob DeGregorio, who are three members of next year’s Hockey East executive committee, will comprise the search committee for the new commissioner. They will screen applicants and recommend the finalists to the league’s athletic directors for the final approval.

The job will pay $40,000 per year.

“We’re looking for somebody who is strong in marketing and promotions,” said Ploszek. “Hiring somebody who is strong in those areas would really help us elevate the whole conference to a prominent level in terms of national recognition.

“Interest in hockey is really starting to bloom nationally and, with the strength of our conference, we’re poised to step to the forefront. We want people to come to know us around the country. We want the new commissioner to really get our name out there,” added Ploszek.

They hope to name a commissioner by no later than Sept. 1.

In other news, Ploszek said the league’s ADs voted to return to a single-elimination format in the quarterfinal round, saying, “The hope is that single elimination will elevate the excitement level in the quarterfinal round and that will carry over into the semifinals and finals at Boston Garden.”