Frequently Asked Questions

The PHPA receives a number of recurring questions regarding the Association. In an effort to manage these inquiries efficiently, the PHPA has compiled a database of common questions and answers.

If you find that your question has not been answered here, we invite you to send us your question using the form available by clicking here.

---

Question

How is the PHPA structured?

Answer

The PHPA Executive Director is responsible for maintaining and directing the activities of the PHPA, which includes setting the long-term vision and strategy of the organization as well overseeing the day-to-day operations and finances.

The Executive Director is governed by the PHPA Executive Committee, which is comprised of 1 player per every 5 teams in each League. Each member of the Executive Committee is nominated and voted in at the PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives.

Question

What is a CBA?

Answer

The term “CBA” stands for Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The AHL, ECHL, and CHL Collective Bargaining Agreements are the result of negotiations between the PHPA, representing the Players, and each respective League, representing their Member Clubs.

The resulting documents represent obligations between Players and Clubs, in addition to a process by which disputes and conflicts (that arise from time to time regarding the interpretation of the agreement) can be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties.

The CBA covers areas such as minimum salary, per diem, training camp, travel in and out, lodging, fines, health and welfare benefits, and playoff shares to name a few.

Question

What is a grievance?

Answer

A grievance is any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or the Standard Player's Contract. There are specific procedures within each Collective Agreement that are designed to effectively remedy such disputes.

Question

When are the current Collective Bargaining Agreement’s (CBA’s) set to expire?

Answer

The CBA between the PHPA and the AHL is set to expire on August 31, 2014.

The CBA between the PHPA and the ECHL is set to expire on June 30, 2013.

The CBA between the PHPA and the CHL is set to expire on may 31, 2012.

Question

Is there a salary cap in the AHL, ECHL, or CHL?

Answer

There is no Salary Cap in the AHL.

For players on an ECHL or CHL contract, there is no maximum salary, however, each team is bound to a weekly salary cap.

Question

What is Per Diem?

Answer

Per Diem is a meal allowance that a player receives while accompanying his Team while he is away from his home city for the purpose of playing regular season or post-season games.

Question

How can I get a player's autograph?

Answer

Unfortunately, the PHPA does not fulfill autograph requests.

We suggest sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to that player's club c/o the player, as most players are more than willing to sign autographs for fans and collectors.

Question

Where is the PHPA located?

Answer

The Association is headquartered in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Nestled in the Niagara Peninsula, the Association enjoys close proximity to the US border, in addition to close ties with several major hockey markets.

Question

How do I get in contact with the PHPA?

Answer

There are several ways to contact the PHPA:

By Mail:

Professional Hockey Players' Association
3964 Portage Rd
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
L2J 2K9

Alternatively, we also accept mail at our US address:

Professional Hockey Players' Association
1711 Cudaback Ave, Suite 5142
Niagara Falls, NY
14303

By Phone: (289) 296-5561

By Fax: (289) 296-4567

We also welcome e-mail from site visitors at the form linked here.

Question

What do you do for players?

Answer

The Association's primary function is to collectively negotiate player rights and working conditions with the respective Leagues employing our Members. These rights and conditions are defined throughout the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

When not in the process of negotiations, the Association handles the day-to-day administration and enforcement of the agreements on behalf of the Membership.

The Association maintains a proactive and benefits driven approach to meeting the needs of the Membership. To this effect, the Association has put forward the Career Enhancement Program to help players with life after hockey, and the Membership Assistance Program to help Members with off-ice personal issues. The Association also maintains regular contact with Members and key stakeholders via a network of Player Representatives, newsletters and secure websites.

These robust programs and services are provided by 12 full-time staff members, in addition to various PHPA Advisors.

Question

How do I request a PHPA branded item for my charity event/auction?

Answer

If your organization is interested in receiving an item for a fundraiser, tournament, or auction, please send your request to:

Professional Hockey Players' Association
Attn: Charity Request
3964 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, ON L2J 2K9

While we try to assist every cause possible, we are unable to fulfill all requests because of the sheer volume (of requests) received every year. Please note that we do not provide monetary donations.