The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) recently hosted its 2023 Annual Meeting of Player Representatives, where one player from each American Hockey League and the ECHL team attended on behalf of their teammates, and which featured a range of innovative topics, breakout sessions, and an impressive lineup of guest presenters.

The meetings were held June 19^th to 23^rd at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida.  Players, along with their families, gathered to take part in an unforgettable week of meetings and activities, while proposing solutions to issues affecting players at the professional level.  

The opening day of meetings commenced with a comprehensive “Year in Review” presentation from PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon. Legal Counsels Elyse McKenna and Bob Riley then discussed several key legal issues, including how various grievances and disputes were handled and resolved over the past year.

Later, Darryl Dionne outlined the PHPA’s marketing, communications, and business development initiatives and objectives, followed by a presentation from J.P. Witkop on behalf of Raymond James & Associates on how to avoid the most common mistakes players tend to make regarding their finances.

The following day, Player Representatives received a detailed overview of the Association’s audited financial statements and operating budget. They also received important tax advice from experts at Crowe Soberman LLP.  

Throughout the week, players heard from organizations such as Isospec Health, which distributes CBD products aimed at helping athletes heal naturally and efficiently, Power Edge Pro, Private Housing Network, Leibl & Kirkwood Immigration Attorneys, as well as institutions partnered with the PHPA Career Enhancement Program including Athabasca University, Oregon State University, and University at Buffalo.

Players were treated to a powerful presentation on mental health by former PHPA Member Chuck Thuss, who oversees the PHPA’s newly founded Alumni Assistance Program. 

The week also included a panel discussion on workers’ compensation, involving three esteemed members from the PHPA Workers’ Compensation Panel of Attorneys, PHPA staff, and representatives from the CFLPA and NFLPA.

Following an election for open positions on the PHPA Executive Committee, players heard State of the League addresses from ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin, and AHL President and CEO Scott Howson.  They were then provided the opportunity to participate in closed door meetings with their respective League leaders.

Outside of the meetings, attendees were invited to participate in the BFL Canada Risk & Insurance Services Golf Tournament at the Walt Disney World Golf Course, as well as Hospitality Suites hosted by the Private Housing Network and Isospec.

The Annual Meeting concluded with a Closing Banquet, where the PHPA presented the Executive Director’s Honoring the Past Award to Marty Flichel, the Curt Leichner Distinguished Member Award to Peter Vandeermer, and a special gift to former AHL President Dave Andrews.  The evening was capped by a performance from world renown hypnotist Danny Zzzz! 

For a comprehensive recap of 2023 PHPA Annual Meeting content shared across various social media platforms, visit the following link: https://wakelet.com/wake/Wls4EIeuRmzCrfx61-I36

The PHPA expresses its gratitude to several partners, whose financial contributions allowed the PHPA to host another professional, informative, and successful Annua Meeting event, including BFL CANADA Risk & Insurance Services Inc., Meritain Health, Insurance Office of America (IOA), Sutton Special Risk, Isospec Health, Private Housing Network, TELUS Health, Programmed Insurance Brokers, and many golf hole sponsors.  A special thank you to all players and their families who attended on behalf of their teammates, and whose input and guidance plays a crucial role in shaping the current and future landscape of professional hockey.