Each Fall, Larry Landon, Executive Director of the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) along with PHPA Benefits Administrator, Paulette Salewski travel across Canada and the United States to meet with players from each American Hockey League and ECHL team, educating approximately 1600 PHPA Members on what their union does for them.

During each team presentation, which are about 90 minutes in length, players are given a brief history and overview of the PHPA, an in-depth analysis of the health benefits plan afforded to PHPA Members and their families, introduced to the variety of programs offered through their Association (Career Enhancement Program, Membership Assistance Program, business relationships, etc.) and delve into topics which impact players across the sport. 

Entering the second year of a four-year collective bargaining agreement between the PHPA and AHL, players are provided with an overview of new and enhanced provisions within their CBA.

ECHL players, who are entering the fourth year of a five-year collective bargaining agreement, are given a similar look at the various economic provisions contained within the agreement, while PHPA staff seek feedback from players on the areas within the agreement most important to them.

“Players need to be aware of what their Association does for them, and know that they have a very experienced and dedicated staff at their disposal,” said PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon.  “We educate and inform our Members about what their union does for them, so when they eventually reach the NHL (nearly 90% of current NHL players were at one time PHPA Members) and become NHLPA Members, they are fully acclimated to a unionized environment.”

The annual PHPA Fall Enrollment Tour typically takes 7 – 8 weeks to complete.  Although it may be an arduous process, it is an essential component of the service the PHPA provides to it’s Members.

“You can’t beat the face-to-face interaction with players.  It helps us keep our fingers on the pulse of what is going on, while bringing players up to speed on all aspects of the PHPA and their respective Collective Bargaining Agreement.”

Perhaps the most anticipated part of the meeting for players is the distribution of new PHPA branded ‘swag’ to the entire team.  This year, players will receive PHPA branded t-shirts produced by CCM as well as travel mugs, which have traditionally been very popular with players.

With a changing hockey landscape including new teams in new markets, new teams in old markets, and various NHL affiliation changes, it will be an important year for players to be kept well informed and know their rights as professional hockey players.