At the start of each hockey season, Larry Landon, Executive Director of the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) and Benefits Administrator, Paulette Salewski travel across Canada and the United States to meet with players from each American Hockey League and ECHL team, educating over 1600 PHPA Members across 57 teams about what their union does for them.  Although this annual Fall Enrollment Tour typically takes 8 – 10 weeks to complete, it is an essential component of the services provided to PHPA Members and a unique means to interact with players.

During each team presentation, which is about 90 minutes in length, players are given a brief history and overview of the PHPA, an in-depth analysis of the health benefits and insurance programs afforded to PHPA Members and their families, introduced to a variety of programs such as the Career Enhancement Program, Membership Assistance Program, corporate partner programs such as the Meridian Visa affinity card, and delve into topics which impact players across all levels of the sport. 

This year’s presentation to AHL players will focus on provisions contained within the new five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement.  ECHL players are entering the second year of a five-year agreement and similarly, will be provided with an overview of the terms negotiated in their agreement.

“Players need to be aware of what their Association does for them and their families, and know that they have a very experienced and dedicated staff at their disposal,” said PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon.  “The face-to-face interaction with players helps us keep our fingers on the pulse of what is going on, while bringing players up to speed on all aspects of the PHPA and their respective Collective Bargaining Agreement.”

Perhaps the most anticipated part of the meeting for players is the distribution of new PHPA ‘swag’.  This year, players will receive PHPA branded workout shorts produced by CCM Hockey as well as RFID phone wallets.

“We educate and inform our Members about their union, so when they eventually reach the NHL (nearly 90% of current NHL players were at one time PHPA Members) and become NHLPA Members, they are fully acclimated to a unionized environment.  We also encourage players to get involved with the PHPA whether as a Player Representative or through any number of our programs such as being a guest on our podcast or as a Player Mentor as part of our Grow with the Pros! Mentor Program.  Given the stability in the professional hockey landscape for at least the next few years, players should enjoy the ride and help build their personal brand as they strive to achieve the next level of their career development.”