(Niagara Falls, ON) The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Larry Downes as Coordinator of the PHPA Career Enhancement Program (CEP), succeeding Rick Gorman who served in the same position for 15 years before announcing his retirement earlier this month. 

Downes recently completed a 30-year secondary school teaching career where he taught co-operative education that linked students with job placements leading to future occupations and careers.  In 2006, he developed the Niagara Regional Job Fair which has turned into an annual event attended by hundreds of high school students as well as the general public.

Downes earned his teaching degree from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewistion, Idaho where he was an Academic All-American.  He participated in the 1984 Olympic Games as well as the 1983 and 1987 Pan American Games as a member of the Canadian National Baseball Team. 

In his role with the PHPA, Downes will expand the educational opportunities for current and former PHPA Members and their spouses, further develop employment prospects, and assist players with their transition to life after hockey.

“Not only does Larry bring a wealth of expertise and connections to the PHPA Career Enhancement Program, but given his background as a former athlete, he will relate well to the various challenges typically encountered by our Members,” said PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon.  “We are thrilled to have him on board and build upon the tremendously successful programs developed by his predecessors, Rick Gorman and Phil Mazzone.”

Since it’s inception in 1997, the Career Enhancement Program has worked directly with over 1500 PHPA Members, boasting the largest enrollment of any program of its kind for professional athletes.  The CEP offers a range of services from career planning and continuing education options, to helping players gain employment and preparing for the post-hockey phase of their life.