The PHPA-ECHL COVID-19 Player Relief Fund is now one month old, and has thus far raised $287,870 at the time of this writing.  Although this is a significant amount, with the PHPA contributing the initial $200,000, the goal of raising enough money to compensate all ECHL contracted players for their lost salary is still a ways away, and will require the support of the extended hockey community.

The Relief Fund was set up in a joint effort by the PHPA and ECHL to offer financial assistance to ECHL contracted players, whose 2019-20 season prematurely came to an end on March 16^th.  Players, who sign weekly contracts, unexpectedly lost the opportunity to earn salary for the remainder of the season and playoffs, leaving many of them and their families in financial distress. 

To compound matters, many ECHL players who secure summer employment by operating hockey schools or conditioning camps, will have to look elsewhere for work with hockey arenas currently closed.  Other non-hockey related employment opportunities are in short demand as well given the global pandemic.  Now with the uncertainty surrounding the start of the 2020-21 season, many players find themselves in a tough spot, and pondering their future in the game.

Fortunately, the Relief Fund has reached a level which has enabled the PHPA and ECHL to release a first wave of payment to every ECHL contracted player for 80% of their initial weekly contract.  The PHPA is aiming to issue at least two more waves of payment over the coming weeks, but will need the help of the hockey community in order to do so.

In the month since the fund was opened, hundreds of donors have stepped up to contribute to the cause.  Many ECHL teams and Booster Clubs have hosted jersey auctions with all proceeds being directed towards the fund.  Paul Bissonnette has been advocating for the fund on a regular basis through his popular Spittin’ Chiclets platform and has helped secure donations from several of his key sponsors and contacts.  Current and former players have set up fundraisers, or contributed directly into the fund, including significant donations from Jim Devellano and Dion Phaneuf among others.  Agent Allain Roy has set up a weekly esports tournament and challenged other agencies and their players to square off against one another with the agency’s tournament fee being directed towards the fund.  Recently the South Carolina Stingrays contributed $45,570 after the team’s fundraising efforts were matched by the team owner. 

These collective efforts have demonstrated how the hockey community bands together in a time of need for their brethren.  Although the PHPA and ECHL hope the fund can grow to even greater heights with the help and support of the hockey community, the players are extremely appreciative of the contributions and efforts made by many to help alleviate the financial burden this pandemic has caused.  

The PHPA-ECHL COVID-19 Player Relief Fund campaign will extend throughout May.  Anyone wishing to contribute towards the PHPA-ECHL COVID-19 Player Relief Fund and directly assist ECHL players may do so here.