The PHPA Curt Leichner Distinguished Member Award is presented each year to a deserving recipient who has made significant contributions toward the advancement of professional minor league hockey.
Leichner, who passed away in May 2006, served as PHPA Executive Director from its inception in 1967 until 1993. He was instrumental in forming the players’ union and negotiating the first Collective Bargaining Agreements between the PHPA and WHL, AHL, and CHL. Thousands of professional hockey players have had their rights advanced and enforced as a result of Leichner's vision for a better workplace environment.
The recipient is formally presented with the Award by the PHPA Executive Director at the PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives.
Past winners include: