NIAGARA FALLS, ON (June 29, 2023) – The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce it has established the Phil Mazzone Memorial PHPA Career Enhancement Program Scholarship, providing educational scholarships of up to $2,500 to two (2) American Hockey League players and two (2) ECHL players each year.

The scholarships will be awarded to players who genuinely aspire to continue their education, made a positive impact on their team and community, and demonstrated mentorship, leadership, and encouragement toward others.  Players must complete an application form which details their career aspirations, desired courses or program, and how they embody the spirit of Phil Mazzone.

Mazzone was instrumental in the formation of the PHPA Career Enhancement Program in 1997 and served as its first program Coordinator until his retirement in 2004.  Since its inception, the program has assisted over 2,400 players, offering a range of services including education upgrades, employment placements, and helping players prepare for their post hockey career.  In 2016, Mazzone and his successor, Rick Gorman, were voted by the PHPA Executive Committee as co-recipients of the PHPA Curt Leichner Distinguished Member Award.

The scholarship must be used at educational institutions or programs partnered with the PHPA’s Career Enhancement Program (CEP).  Recipients will be selected by PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon, CEP Coordinator, Steve Carney, along with input from the Mazzone family. 

“The CEP would not have the stature and recognition it does today without the foresight and dedication put forth by Phil Mazzone.  He helped me obtain a University scholarship and pushed me to become the very best I could possibly be,” said Landon.  “I applaud our Executive Committee for their support of these scholarships which will be a tremendous benefit to four deserving Members each year, and hope it helps inspire players to embody the spirit, values, and philosophy that contributed to Phil Mazzone’s legacy.”