(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce that Bert Villarini is the recipient of the 2014 PHPA Workers’ Compensation Panel of Attorneys Member of the Year Award.

Awarded annually by the PHPA at the Association’s Workers’ Compensation Panel of Attorneys meeting in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Villarini is recognized for his dedication and leadership on behalf of past, present, and future PHPA Members.

“Bert has been instrumental in the Association’s significant advancement of injured players’ rights,” said PHPA Executive Director Larry Landon.  “This past year is one where it seems each and every time there was an unusual circumstance surrounding an injured player, Bert was our primary go-to guy for his opinion and guidance.  As such, he is very deserving of this prestigious award and recognition.”  

Villarini, who also sits on the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) Workers’ Compensation Panel of Attorneys was the inaugural recipient of the PHPA award in 1995 after assisting the PHPA in Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations with the American Hockey League, while helping the PHPA become the official collective bargaining representative for players in the ECHL later that year.  

“Bert has been a valuable asset to our players and to the NFLPA,” added Ned Ehrlich, NFLPA Associate General Counsel.  “He willingly and promptly provides assistance to our men at a time when they need it most.  We value his integrity, advice and effort and congratulate him on receiving this honor.”

Villarini is a tri-chair of the PHPA Workers’ Compensation Panel of Attorneys, and consulted regularly on issues related to player injuries throughout professional sports.