(The following article is based on an interview with Ted Nolan, conducted by the PHPA in August 2007, in celebration of the PHPA’s 40^th Anniversary.) 

Ted Nolan, Interim head coach of the Buffalo Sabres has been named the 2014 recipient of the Professional Hockey Players’ Association Curt Leichner Distinguished Member Award, as voted by the PHPA player Executive Committee.

Named in honor of former PHPA Executive Director, Curt Leichner, the Award is presented annually to a member of the hockey community who has made significant contributions towards the advancement of professional minor league hockey, and has continued to diligently serve the sport. 

Ted Nolan played parts of seven seasons in the American Hockey League for the Adirondack Red Wings, Rochester Americans, and Baltimore Skipjackets, from 1978-1986.  He also amassed 78 games in the NHL for the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins, before joining the coaching ranks, where he would be awarded the Jack Adams trophy as NHL Coach of the Year in 1996-97 while with the Buffalo Sabres. 

Throughout his playing career, Nolan took an active role in the PHPA serving as his team’s PHPA Player Representative as well as an elected member of the PHPA Player Executive Committee.  His experience with the PHPA as a player helped him grow into the professional he is today. 

“I first became involved as a Player Rep because nobody else on the team would stand up to the coaches or management,” explained Nolan.  “Back then, players were scared to do so.  It was very intimidating for a young player in his early 20’s to go into the General Manager’s office.  You did what you were told to do or else you were sent home…until the right people came along and stood up for player rights.” 

Throughout the late 1970’s and early 80’s, a group of PHPA Player Representatives including Nolan, Larry Landon (current PHPA Executive Director), Claude Julien, Darcy Regier, and others began to take small steps on behalf of AHL and Central Hockey League players, such as an increase in meal money from $10.00 to $10.50. 

“It was small at the time, but a step in the right direction,” explained Nolan.  “At the time a lot of players were being misused, misguided, did not traditionally go off to University, and overall did not have much to fall back on.  I was only being paid about $17,000 in my first year, which may have been enough to cover expenses during the season, but I would have to work all summer to earn enough money to survive.”

However, it was one of Nolan’s former coaches, Hockey Hall of Famer Ted Lindsay, a hockey legend with ties of his own to organizing players who Nolan credits for helping him develop from a young player into a team leader.  “I felt very uncomfortable living in a new city, with a new team, and was actually considering leaving training camp.  Ted Lindsay helped me with everything from banking to living accommodations, and I have always felt that I should do the same for my players, and pass the torch of sorts onto the next generation.” 

Nolan now looks back on his playing career with fond memories.  “I really enjoyed and preferred playing in the AHL.  Of course there was more money to be made at the NHL level, but I found the players were closer together as a team.  We usually lived in a small town, and would get together for BBQ’s as it was too expensive to go out and eat at restaurants.  We would all pitch in and buy hot dogs and hamburgers.  There was a close family bond with those hockey clubs.”

When asked to describe how far the PHPA has come since his days as a PHPA Member, Nolan responded, “The PHPA is now leaps and bounds from where is was back when I was a Player Rep.  My experience with the PHPA has helped me through my career, especially now as a coach, as I am sympathetic to what players have to go through.  I understand when players are standing up for something.  It feels special to be part of something that has grown into what it is today, and helping the next generation of players lead a better life.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Executive Committee, and am a strong believer in the value of the development leagues.”