PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives

The PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives is a week-long series of meetings, typically held in June, where one Player Representative from each AHL, ECHL, and CHL team attends on behalf of his teammates, becoming updated and educated on PHPA affairs, while providing input and direction to guide the Association for the coming year.

During the meetings, Player Representatives are educated and participate in open discussion on a variety of CBA and other League and PHPA issues, including closed-door meetings with their respective League President / Commissioner. Player Reps also gain valuable information on a number of other issues which affect PHPA Members.

In 2009, more than 75 representatives from AHL and ECHL teams, Reebok-CCM, PHPA staff, advisors, attorneys, and NFLPA representatives attended the 42nd Annual Meeting of Player Representatives.

Guest speakers included:

• Mark Paluczak from Stone Carlie: “Taxation for the Professional Athlete”
• Joe Kirkwood from Leibl and Kirkwood: “US Immigration for the Professional Hockey Player”
• Ernie Kassoff, National Sales Manager for PODS (Portable On Demand Storage)
• Richard Berthelsen, General Counsel, NFLPA, Jim Aven, Ned Ehrlich, Gerry Herz, Bert Villarini: “Workers’ Compensation Panel Update”
• Benoit Larose, Senior Marketing Manager, Reebok-CCM and Jon Nassoura, Reebok Pro Athlete Representative

Other PHPA staff presentations included:

• "Executive Director’s Report", Larry Landon, PHPA Executive Director
• "Communications and Business Development Department Update", Darryl Dionne, Director of Communications and Business Development
• "Career Enhancement Program", Rick Gorman, Coordinator, CEP
• “Benefits Overview”, Paulette Salewski, Benefits Administrator

ECHL Commissioner, Brian McKenna provided his annual “State of the ECHL” address, while AHL President and CEO, Dave Andrews presented his annual “State of the AHL” address.

The closing banquet featured an appearance from Tim Williams (and an albino alligator) from Gatorland, the presentation of the PHPA Golf Scramble Awards, presentation of the 2009 Curt Leichner Distinguished Member Award, as well as a live performance from world renown hypnotist, Danny Zzzz.

For more information on the PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives, please contact the PHPA at 289-296-5561.