History

The Professional Hockey Players' Association (PHPA), established in 1967, is recognized as one of the oldest and largest Players' Associations in the sports world, and is the only Players' Association that represents minor league professional athletes in a major league sport. Recognized by the U.S. National Labor Relations Board as the bargaining unit for all Members enrolled in the Association, the main function of the PHPA is to negotiate player benefits by way of a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

A number of the benefits that have been negotiated by the Association for its Membership include health and welfare benefits, training camp allowances, play-off pools, travel and trade relocation expenses, daily per diem, regular season and play-off housing allowances, and player likeness licensing revenue.

In addition, the Association has established a Career Enhancement Program (CEP), a well-respected Workers' Compensation Panel of Attorneys, a Registered Agents Program and an Alumni Association. These are a few of the programs that have been created to satisfy the needs of past, present, and future PHPA Members.

Located in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, the PHPA has a staff of 10 employees and retains various outside advisors, where necessary. Such external assistance includes legal counsel, financial advisors, insurance professionals, and other requirements as needed. However, the daily management and leadership of the PHPA is the responsibility of Larry Landon, Executive Director since 1993, while ultimate power and direction over all PHPA matters resides with the Membership. Players elect a Representative from their respective Clubs, with this group of individuals electing an Executive Committee for their respective League.

When the Association was founded in Portland, Oregon, its initial purpose was to assist players in the former Western Hockey League. Since then, the PHPA has expanded to include representation of players in the American Hockey League (AHL) since the 1968-69 season, the former Central Hockey League (CHL) from 1974-1984, the former International Hockey League (IHL) from 1985-2001, ECHL since the 1995-96 season, and the Central Hockey League (CHL), certified as of April 1, 2008.  The PHPA continues to represent over 1,700 Players situated across 68 teams of the AHL, CHL, and ECHL which are the premier player development leagues for the National Hockey League (NHL).

40 Years of Dedicated Service

The PHPA was featured in a 12-page spread in the October 16, 2007 edition of The Hockey News, the hockey industry’s oldest and most widely circulated publication. The section describes why the Association was formed in 1967, and how it has evolved to become the only minor league Players' Association within a major league sport. The article features interviews with past PHPA Members such as Doug Messier, Darcy Regier, Ted Nolan, Glenn Patrick, Brad Treliving, as well as David Andrews, President and CEO of the AHL, and Brian McKenna, ECHL Commissioner.

CLICK HERE to view the full PDF version of the PHPA’s 40th Anniversary section.