Booth, who signed a two-year contract in 2006 to become the first coach in the franchise's history, compiled a 56-83-13 record in two seasons at the helm.

His first team, which competed in the United Hockey League, was 25-45-6. This past season the PrairieThunder was 31-38-7 in the International Hockey League.

PrairieThunder general manager Jerry McBurney said the team will begin a national search for its next coach immediately.

"Building an expansion team is one of the most difficult things to do in professional sports," said McBurney. "We appreciate the time and effort Derek put in while serving as the head coach of the PrairieThunder and helping to lay a foundation for the future of the organization. We wish him well in his future endeavors."