Niagara Falls, ON – The Professional Hockey Players Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Worcester Railers forward Jordan Smotherman to the PHPA Executive Committee. 

Currently playing in his 16^th season of professional hockey, Smotherman brings a wealth of experience to the Executive Committee having played in the ECHL, American Hockey League, National Hockey League, and several European Leagues.  Last season, he served as an integral member of the PHPA-ECHL Return to Play Committee, helping to navigate the PHPA and ECHL through a pandemic-affected season.

Smotherman replaces Josh Holmstrom, who has served as a PHPA Player Representative and member of the Executive Committee since being elected at the 2019 PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives.  Holmstrom announced his retirement following a 6-year pro career split between Bridgeport of the American Hockey League and several ECHL teams.

“As a Player Representative and member of our Return to Play Committee, Jordan is already well versed on many key issues impacting the PHPA.  I have been impressed with not only his knowledge and the input he has provided, but the leadership he has demonstrated on behalf of his teammates and players throughout the ECHL,” said PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon.  “I would like to thank Josh Holmstrom for the extraordinary time and effort he has dedicated towards the PHPA, especially over these past 20 months, which have been some of the toughest our sport has encountered.”

Members of the PHPA Executive Committee provide direction and oversight in dealing with various matters of importance to the PHPA and its Membership. Elected Executives may serve three (3) seasons before having to be re-elected. Players appointed by the Executive Director serve a one (1) year term before having to be elected.

About the PHPA

Since its inception in 1967, the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) has continued to serve as an advocate of player interests.  Currently, the PHPA is the certified, U.S. National Labor Relations Board collective bargaining representative for over 1,600 players across 58 teams throughout the American Hockey League and ECHL.  Further, the PHPA continues to serve over 9,000 former PHPA Members through its Alumni Network.  Visit PHPA.com, follow the PHPA on Facebook (fb.com/thephpa), Twitter (@thephpa), and Instagram (@thephpa) and tune into The PHPA Podcast.