The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is saddened to learn of the passing of Rick Gorman, former PHPA Career Enhancement Program (CEP) Coordinator from 1999 to 2015 and co-recipient of the PHPA Curt Leichner Distinguished Member Award in 2016.

Gorman joined the PHPA in 1999 to assist friend and long-time teaching colleague, Phil Mazzone, run the PHPA’s newly founded CEP.  Upon Mazzone’s retirement in 2004, Gorman assumed the sole responsibility of leading the program.  Over the next 11 years, Gorman would assist well over a thousand players with their post hockey career aspirations, while establishing relationships with institutions such as Athabasca University, Niagara College, Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) among many others.   

Following his retirement in 2015, Gorman and Mazzone were unanimously selected by the PHPA Executive Committee as co-recipients of the 2016 PHPA Curt Leichner Distinguished Member Award, the Association’s highest honour, presented annually to a recipient(s) who has made significant contributions toward the advancement of professional minor league hockey.

Many players and their families are better off today thanks to the efforts provided by Rick Gorman.

Prior to his tenure with the PHPA, Gorman enjoyed a lengthy teaching career which included co-operative education job opportunities and placements for students.  He will be missed by numerous friends, colleagues, and of course, his family.

The PHPA will pay tribute to Gorman at its 2024 PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives.