Today we were advised that negotiations towards consolidation of the ECHL and Central Hockey League (CHL), which has been ongoing for weeks, has come to a conclusion with the ECHL accepting Allen, Brampton, Missouri, Quad City, Rapid City, Tulsa, and Wichita as ECHL expansion franchises.  As such, the League will operate at 28 teams, inclusive of the above mentioned seven (7) expansion franchises, for the 2014-15 season.

All players whose rights were held by a CHL team (signed to a CHL Standard Player Agreement or qualified) are Unrestricted Free Agents, effective immediately.  Such players are eligible to sign an ECHL Standard Players Contract (SPC) with the ECHL team of their choice, including their former CHL team.

While this consolidation will impact some CHL players, particularly those with Veteran status, the fact that the ECHL-PHPA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will be the governing document ensures CHL players who sign ECHL Standard Player Contracts (SPCs) will experience a significant elevation of various provisions contained within the ECHL-PHPA CBA.

For example, off-ice insurance will be provided to players and their families through June 30th for those players who end the season on an ECHL roster.  Not only is this extension of benefits period of value to players and their families, it provides three (3) additional months of savings for those who would otherwise have to purchase COBRA continuation health coverage, as CHL teams previously provided coverage for only one week after the CHL team completed play.  Furthermore, the ECHL CBA provides for more jobs, an increase to the salary cap, minimum salary, and per diem, a credible workers’ compensation program, and a playoff pool that provides per round bonuses of, in some cases, 3.5 times the amount previously provided to CHL players.

Perhaps the largest benefit for CHL players who sign ECHL SPCs is the mere fact that given the ECHL’s recognition and credibility within professional hockey, players aspiring to move on to play at higher levels of the sport will be afforded that opportunity.  As of today, players signing ECHL SPCs are far better off than they were yesterday.

To view a comparison chart which outlines provisions contained within the ECHL and CHL CBAs, please CLICK HERE.

I would be remiss if I did not recognize CHL Commissioner Steve Ryan, Missouri Owner Mike Carper, and Rapid City Owner Scott Mueller for their vision and persistence for creating a situation that represents a significant enhancement for the sport, owners, players, fans, and all business partners.  As well, ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna, ECHL Counsel Paul Hendrick, and the entire ECHL Board of Governors should be commended for their business acumen and foresight towards the long-term implications on our sport.

Lastly, a huge thank you should be extended to PHPA Attorney Bob Riley, who worked tireless hours behind the scenes, navigating through the various challenges which arose in order to protect the rights of current and past PHPA Members.  

Should any players have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the PHPA Hockey Operations department at 1-800-565-0716.  I would also encourage all players to visit the PHPA Players’ Only website (PHPA.com) and download the PHPA Players mobile app for any further information.

Good luck to all throughout training camp, and I look forward to seeing you during our annual Fall Enrollment Tour.

Very respectfully  yours,

Larry Landon