About the PHPA

The Professional Hockey Players' Association (PHPA) is the labor union representing professional ice hockey players in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the ECHL — the two largest minor leagues in North American professional hockey.
Founded in 1967 in Portland, Oregon, and formally established by a vote of AHL and Western Hockey League players in 1968, the PHPA is one of the oldest players' unions in professional sports. Recognized by the U.S. National Labor Relations Board as the certified bargaining unit for its members, it currently represents more than 1,200 active players and over 11,000 alumni members.

The PHPA’s primary role is to negotiate player benefits through the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). These benefits include health and welfare coverage, training camp allowances, travel and relocation expenses, per diem and housing allowances, playoff shares, licensing rights, revenue sharing, and Member Assistance Programs.

The PHPA also invests in the lives of its members beyond the rink. The Professional Hockey Players’ Guild, a comprehensive resource initiative designed to support players throughout every stage of their professional journey, providing assistance in the areas of education, career development, and health and wellness while its Alumni Network supports former players as they transition into post-hockey careers, providing access to resources, contacts, and corporate partner programs.

Mission & Vision

The Professional Hockey Players' Association is committed to the enhancement and protection of Players' rights, as its Members pursue advancement in the sport of professional hockey.

In an effort to further promote and sustain the PHPA's vision of delivering support, and guidance to members and their families, the Association offers initiatives such as The Professional Hockey Players’ Guild, a Workers' Compensation Panel of Attorneys, a Registered Agents Program, an Alumni Network, the FIRST LINE mental health and leadership training program, and a variety of other programs and services designed to support Members both during and beyond their playing careers.

THE PHPA Working for the Players Since 1967

The Collective Bargaining Agreements

The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is the negotiated agreement between the Professional Hockey Players' Association, representing the players, and each respective league—the AHL and the ECHL—representing their Member Clubs.

These agreements establish the rights and responsibilities of both players and clubs while providing a fair process for resolving disputes related to the interpretation or application of the agreement.

The CBA covers a wide range of important topics, including minimum salary, per diem, training camp, travel and reimbursement, lodging, fines, health and welfare benefits, playoff shares, and more. The PHPA encourages every player to read and understand the provisions of their respective CBA to ensure they are fully informed about their rights, benefits, and protections.

PHPA Staff

The Professional Hockey Players’ Association is supported by a dedicated team of administrative, operational, and hockey professionals who work to protect and advance the interests of players throughout their professional careers. The staff supports active members across the AHL and ECHL, while also providing resources and support to the PHPA’s alumni community.