Quad-City Mallards general manager Jim Riggs has left the team for what is being described as "a family emergency" and likely won't return for a couple of weeks, if at all.

Riggs' hiring was announced only a week ago. He is on a leave of absence.

Spokesman Jaye Cavallo said Riggs alerted owners Chris Lencheski and Eric Galler of his emergency early Tuesday morning. Lencheski said he will review the situation with Galler within two weeks and make a decision then on how to proceed.

If Riggs can return by then, he will remain on the job.

"It is an absolutely an unfortunate situation and not one you plan for," Lencheski said.

Lencheski has adjusted his schedule and will be in town for most of the next 10 days, laying groundwork for the upcoming season and contacting potential sponsors.

The Mallards have announced a media conference for today during which a schedule, ticket pricing structures and new team uniforms will be unveiled.

Lencheski said the team has three remaining candidates for the Mallards head coaching position, two who have NHL playing experience. He and consultant Steve Ryan, former president of the Pittsburgh Penguins, hope to meet with two of the candidates this weekend.

Lencheski said they hope to have a coach hired soon, but said, "It is a process."

He believes a solid roster of players can be assembled ahead of fall training camp, and stressed that every player taken in the International Hockey League expansion and dispersal drafts two weeks ago has received a qualifying offer.

One, former Mallard forward Glenn Detulleo, has signed with Wichita of the Central Hockey League.

"We have 90 days before we have to gear up training camp," Lencheski said. "I have no doubt we will ice a good product at that time."

Lencheski said the team is talking with NHL clubs about potential affiliation agreements.