The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) will have a full agenda in store for American Hockey League and ECHL Player Representatives during the PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives which will be hosted from June 15 – 19th at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria in Orlando, Florida.   

This annual week-long series of meetings affords Player Representatives, Executive Committee members, PHPA staff, and Advisors an opportunity to review the past year, as well as provide input and direction for the upcoming season and beyond. 

During the meetings, one Player Representative from each AHL and ECHL team participate in open discussion on a variety of Collective Bargaining and other League and PHPA issues. 

PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon, presents a PHPA Year in Review including an analysis of select disputes and grievances which occurred throughout the year and how the issues were resolved.  

Darryl Dionne, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Business Development provides players with an in-depth look into the business operations of the PHPA including new digital and social media marketing trends and initiatives, as well as an overview on the Association’s corporate partner programs, communications techniques, licensing activity, retail operations, special projects, and other player programs.

During an interactive forum, PHPA Hockey Operations staff lead an open discussion on a variety of aspects contained within each respective League’s Collective Bargaining Agreement as well as dispute resolution procedures and other issues.

Senior Advisor to the National Football League Players Association, Richard Berthelsen along with NFLPA General Counsel Tom DePaso will moderate a panel of accomplished PHPA Workers’ Compensation Attorneys including Jim Aven, Ben Boscolo, Gerry Herz, Mark Floyd, and Bert Villarini.  Panel members help educate all players about the workers compensation process for professional athletes and the importance of reporting and documenting injuries when they occur.

Perhaps most unique, AHL President and CEO, Dave Andrews as well as ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna provide their annual “State of the League” addresses before entering into closed-door, interactive meetings with players from their respective League who are encouraged to bring forth any issues, questions, feedback, and ideas.

Representatives from Reebok-CCM Hockey will display their new line equipment available to all AHL and ECHL players, including an in-depth look into the rigorous research and development invested into new product and equipment.

During the closing banquet, PHPA staff will present the 2015 Curt Leichner Distinguished Member Award to Karen Bender, followed by what will be an unforgettable evening with world-renowned hypnotist Danny Zzzz.

The PHPA sincerely appreciates the contributions of presenting sponsors BFL CANADA Risk & Insurance Services Inc., Sutton Special Risk, Meritain Health, IOA, Ceridian, Programmed Insurance Brokers (PIB), and Stone Carlie, allowing the PHPA to host a professional and informative meeting for all players and their families which helps guide the Association for the coming years.

The PHPA will be tweeting frequent updates throughout the meetings.  Follow along @thephpa using the hashtag #PHPAAnnualMeeting.