The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) recently hosted it’s 47th Annual Meeting of Player Representatives at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, NV where over 100 attendees comprised of Player Representatives, Executive Committee Members, PHPA staff, Advisors, and other special guests took part in the opportunity to review the past year, plan for the upcoming season, as well as provide input and direction with respect to the Association’s strategic plan.
During the meetings, one Player Representative from each American Hockey League (AHL), ECHL, and Central Hockey League (CHL) team participate in open discussion on a variety of Collective Bargaining and other League and PHPA issues.
PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon presents the PHPA Year in Review and provides analysis of select disputes and grievances which occurred throughout the year and how the issues were resolved.
Darryl Dionne, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Business Development provides players with an in-depth look into the entire business operations of the PHPA including digital and social media marketing initiatives, communications, corporate partnerships, licensing activity, community relations, retail, special projects, and other player programs.
During an interactive forum, Simon Frechette, PHPA Director of Hockey Operations leads an open discussion on a variety of aspects contained within each respective League’s Collective Bargaining Agreement as well as dispute resolution procedures and other issues.
Senior Advisor to the National Football League Players Association, Richard Berthelsen moderated a panel of PHPA Workers’ Compensation Attorneys including Jim Aven, Ben Boscolo, Gerry Herz, and Bert Villarini. Panel members help educate all players about the workers compensation process for professional athletes and the importance of reporting and documenting injuries when they occur.
Perhaps most unique, AHL President and CEO, Dave Andrews as well as ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna provided their annual “State of the League” addresses before entering into closed-door, interactive meetings with players from their respective League who bring forth any issues, feedback, and ideas.
Other guest speakers and presentations included:
Representatives from Reebok-CCM Hockey displayed the new line of equipment available to all AHL and ECHL players, including an in-depth look into the rigorous research and development invested into new product and equipment.
The PHPA sincerely appreciates the contributions of presenting sponsors BFL CANADA Risk & Insurance Services Inc., Sutton Special Risk, Meritain Health, IOA, Ceridian, Programmed Insurance Brokers (PIB), and Stone Carlie, allowing the PHPA to host a professional and informative meeting for all players and their families which help guide the Association for the coming years.
To view a social media recap of the week’s events, please CLICK HERE
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