The ECHL, a minor hockey league operating two tiers below the NHL, has postponed 13 games following a player strike that began on Friday. The move signals a significant work stoppage in North American professional hockey, disrupting the league’s operations and affecting countless players and fans alike.
Players initiated the strike through the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA), which announced it had “commenced job action.” The PHPA cited several unresolved issues in ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. Key points of contention include travel arrangements for back-to-back games, a holiday break, guaranteed contracts, health benefits during the offseason, and player compensation.
Executive director of the PHPA, Brian Ramsay, emphasized the players’ desire for “reasonable improvements” that would ensure their safety and allow them to earn a sustainable living while continuing to deliver high-level performances. “Despite the union’s repeated efforts to meet and engage in bargaining, the league has continued to communicate directly with players in a manner that bypasses the union’s role as the exclusive bargaining representative,” Ramsay stated.
The strike authorization came after a vote by PHPA members last week. Negotiations between the league and the union have been ongoing since January. The ECHL responded with a statement expressing disappointment, claiming that union leaders had prevented players from voting on the league’s latest offer, which included a proposed salary increase of 20% in the first year, enhanced per diems, more guaranteed off days, and expanded access to equipment.
The ECHL’s statement highlighted its commitment to addressing player needs while maintaining operational viability. “We did everything possible to avoid this outcome and hope that the union leadership will drop its unworkable scheduling demands, let the players vote on our offer, and make it possible for players to return to work,” the league said.
The league’s latest proposal raised the salary cap by 19.8%, an increase from a previous proposal that had set the cap at 16.4%. The ECHL made it clear to union leadership that this would be its best offer, noting that any future proposals might need to account for revenue losses stemming from missed games due to the strike.
In a concerning sign for the league, the ECHL noted it had received indications from some players that they would not report for scheduled games. The league currently comprises 30 teams, with 29 based in the United States and one located in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
As the situation develops, both sides will likely need to reassess their positions to reach an agreement that allows players to return to the ice and resume play in a league that has a significant following across North America. The outcome of these negotiations could have lasting implications for the future of the ECHL and its players.