PHPA 50TH ANNIVERSARY

PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION Established 50 years ago, the ice insurance, workers’ com- Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is now the and trade relocation expenses, per-diem,pensation housing protection, allowances, travel playoff shares, licensing rights, thecertified American collective Hockey bargaining League (AHL)representative and ECHL, for representing players in rules, and other player pro- - grams.revenue Many sharing, terms development within the son situated across 57 teams agreements must also be con- throughoutover 1,800 playersNorth eachAmerica. sea gruent with the NHL-NHLPA - - opedGiven thatin the nearly minor 90% leaguesof cur CBAThrough given the the amount PHPA, of players player CELEBRATING beforerent NHL graduating players to first the devel NHL, movement between leagues. - along with the amount of play- On behalf of all past, cess to a number of non-collec- present, and future Members, and their families also have ac – AHL – ECHL (last season 353 resources. Perhaps the most playerser movement played between in both the NHL I sincerely want to thank all populartively bargained is the programsAssociation’s and those who served as Player Career Enhancement Program the AHL and ECHL) the PHPA’s which helps players prepare roleand AHL;in the 368 sport played has inquietly both Representatives and Executive for life after hockey. Since the become paramount across the Committee Members. Your program was implemented in Doug Messier (above) of the WHL’s Portland professional hockey landscape. Buckaroos was the first to envision a players’ Not surprisingly, they are often courage, vision, and unselfish either taken online courses association for hockey players, referred to by hockey insiders dedication for a better tomor- through1997, nearly the program1,700 players to further have in collaboration with the late Curt Leichner, as one of the best kept secrets row were paramount to the - who are considered to be the “Founding in all of pro sports. ticipated in marquee programs Fathers” of the PHPA. Headquartered in Niagara PHPA’s success in advancing suchtheir as education the Fire and or haveEmergen par- Falls, Ontario in a building and protecting the rights of which they own, and with a - dedicated staff of nine full-time professional hockey players cy Services Training Institute over the past 50 years. and(FESTI) accreditation. which provides profes networkingRecently, theand PHPAmentorship launched support a formal to Director, Larry Landon, the sionalOther fire programs fighting certificationinclude a anyAlumni former Network PHPA asMembers a means who to may provide lack primaryemployees function led by of the Executive PHPA a large business network following their hockey career and who may need assis- and conditions of player em- —LARRY LANDON, PHPA free, confidential counseling tance in some form to launch their post is to negotiate various terms Executive Director toservice players branded and astheir the Redlinefamily hockey career. The program is run almost members whoProgram may need available assistance 24/7/365 deal- ployment through collective ing with any off-ice issues ranging from agreementsbargaining. Bothwith thethe AHLPHPA and which ECHL deter have- addiction and depression to relationship and andexclusively are eager by to former help and PHPA support Members, members who separate and distinct collective bargaining ofsince the retiring,hockey family. have built▲ successful careers

mine health care benefits, on-ice and off- parenting advice.

THE YEARS CONGRATULATES IN 1967, DOUG MESSIER and his Portland Buckaroos teammates formed a benevolence society of THE PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY players from around the to secure proper health coverage for Canadian- born players living in the United States whose pregnant wives would otherwise have to go home PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION to give birth in Canada. Little did he know that this collective group would one day grow into the ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY second largest player union in terms of Membership in North American professional sports, and serve as the only minor league players association within a major league sport.

NHL, the NHL Shield and the word mark and image of the are registered trademarks and the NHL Centennial Season logo is a trademark of the National Hockey League. © NHL 2017. All Rights Reserved. PHPA 50TH ANNIVERSARY PHPA 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONGRATULATIONS

He would soon be elected to Echoing those comments is , well and that there’s a strong relationship teams they represent for a Professional Hockey - between players and ownership that can be one hour presentation on how Players’ Association as an Agent and as an NHL . inthe the PHPA NHL Executive with Montreal Commit “Thewho overPHPA’s the reputation years has dealtis excellent. with the They’re PHPA them. The annual Fall Enroll- ON YOUR andtee, later and evenToronto, while continued playing consistent and relied upon. I think combined,- mentthe PHPA Tour, can which be of servicestarts toin to assist players at the AHL a good job on behalf of their players. Their the ECHL and AHL, and the PHPA have done a- mid-October typically extends TH viewed as a professional group that does really remarkable job of providing a very sta to early December until all ending hip injury while with ble level of hockey in which countless num team meetings are complete. level. After suffering a career- first line of attack is always a solution. Minor bers of NHL players have been developed.” 50 the Leafs, Landon worked for “You can’t beat the face-to- the PHPA on a part-time basis. offleague with playersthe PHPA need leading an advocateand protecting more them than an Justintegral as therole AHL in helping and ECHL acclimate develop players the ANNIVERSARY anyone. My view is that players are far better next wave of NHL players, the PHPA plays- announcing his intentions Today’s professional hockey landscape come NHLPA Members. Bob Goodenow, who face interaction with players,” toThen retire, in 1991, a group upon of Leichner players than they would be otherwise.” to a unionized environment before they be whatsaid Landon. is going “It on, helps while us bring keep- FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT approached Landon about - ingour players fingers up on to the speed pulse on all of and player development model is a much ingserved ground as Executive of sorts for Director the NHLPA. of the NHLPA aspects of the PHPA and their Director. Although he declined more stable environment now than it has- from 1992 - 2005, likens the PHPA as a train - initially,becoming Landon the new agreed Executive to been in the past. All 31 NHL teams utilize an become Leichner’s successor withAHL anClub AHL as andtheir NHL primary Club. development af and“You from have one to CBA appreciate to the next. the interactionThe PHPA respective Collective Bargain- and was named Deputy Execu- filiate,The whileorigins all of27 ECHLsuch canteams be are pinpointed affiliated helpswith players establish as theythe culture move between of being leagues a pro- ing Agreement.” to a watershed moment when the AHL ab- fessional hockey player. They’re highly re- players,The PHPAand enlists will alsoone Player heav sorbed the 6 remaining franchises from the spected because they represent players on ily rely on involvement from thetive PHPA Director had in been 1991 headquar and then- teredExecutive out Directorof Leichner’s in 1993. Port As- expansion and addition of markets such as theRepresentative PHPA and their from teammates. each team HOCKEY CANADA struggling IHL in 2001. The outcome of that- suggestso many that teams the over digital a broad world area. has Havingreally im an- Theto serve PHPA as aoften liaison boasts between the waukee can now be seen in a healthy 30- informed Membership is key, and I would Committee, relocatedland law the office, PHPA Landon, to his home upon- Chicago, , Grand Rapids, and Mil from around the sport such as Claude Julien, During the most recent meetings this past USA Hockey_PHPA 50_September 2017.indd 1 9/22/17 3:02 PMapproval from the Executive be announced later this season. proved the dissemination of information.” fact that prominent executives whenIndeed, Doug the Messier PHPA hasapproached come a attor long- teamSimilarly, league, the with consolidation a 31st team of scheduled the Central to majorityWith a of transient players areMembership typically in base their of early over - is now the Founder and Principal at MStyle neyway sinceCurt Leichner, its humble who beginnings was based in 1967, out Associationtown, where wasn’t it has remainedin good shape. ever since. On top of - twenties,1,600 players the PHPA at any has given embraced time, technology where the , Ted Nolan, June, Rob Striar, a former PHPA Member who of Portland, Oregon, to legally form the As- “When I took over in 1993, financially, the - and different means of communicating with careersand others in management. once served as PHPA Player Rep in marketing and branding for top sports, en- sociation. “There was no backlash from the Hockey League with the ECHL in 2014 solidi players. This includes a restricted access resentatives which helped prepare them for tertainment,Marketing, a globaland consumer strategy brands,firm specializing who also owners because we weren’t really challeng- that, I was like the skunk at the garden party fied the AA level of the sport. The ECHL add players only website (Alumni are granted ac- gather in Orlando, Florida for the Asso- at every NHL or AHL event I attended,” said- toed joinseven the teams league from next the season. CHL and now sit at cess as well), players mobile app including Each June, all 57 Player Representatives- spoke about the PHPA as a brand. “The players were interested in the group sors,Landon. attorneys, “It took andsome staff, time add to buildnew aplayer solid 27 member Clubs, with Portland, Maine set- - developed“The PHPA the PHPA’sto me 50thgoes Anniversaryfar beyond whatlogo, insuranceing them plan on anything,” as well as recounts a pension Messier. fund. programs,financial foundation, and build a trust hire and a team rapport of adviwith portant role in ensuring that expansion and ter, and periodic email blasts. The Associa- ciation’s Annual Meeting of Player Repre people would consider minor league hockey. In both instances, the PHPA played an im push notifications, a membership e-newslet sentatives, a week long series of meetings there were really no issues as the pension - where over 200 attendees take part in the from and extends beyond the grassroots fundDuring and our healthcare first meeting plan were with being the owners, funded I THINK THE PHPA PLAYS A VERY STABILIZING ROLE IN OUR SPORT... cialtion media is also to active build ontheir social personal media, brand. and helps theopportunity Association’s to review strategic the plan.previous Many year, of the while As- It’s the brand where all hockey players come by the players which wasn’t costing the own- educateEach Fall,players Landon on how and they other can Hockeyleverage Opso- sociation’sproviding input staff, andconsultants, direction attorneys, with respect spon to- throughout Canada and the US and are re- ers anything. The healthcare problems expe- sors and other key stakeholders help educate level. The players and brand are in arenas THEY ALWAYS SEEM TO KEEP THEIR PLAYERS HAPPY... AND THAT’S BEEN A ▲ rienced by the players and their families was meeting with players from each of the 57 you’re a brand looking to align yourself with taken care of and we were able to grow a few erations staff travel across North America, ally at the heart of minor league hockey. If —BILL DALY, NHL Deputy Commissioner REAL BENEFIT TO US. players on the programs available to them. The following year, AHL players, who often playedthings fromagainst there WHL like teams per diem.”due to interlocking management and key stakeholders where - bargaining process. consolidationMark Chipman, was Chairseamless of True from North a collective Sports playersschedules legally heard joined about the the Association. benefits being en weSince could that be viewed time, Landonas problem and solvers, the PHPA not and Entertainment which owns the NHL’s joyed by players in the WHL. After a vote, AHL problem creators.” Jets, owned the his playing career, Leichner assumed the role In 1969, with Messier nearing the end of keyhave stakeholders gained a favorable to help build reputation relationships among working with the AHL and the PHPA during - hockey executives for working together with thewhen expansion they were process. an IHL franchise “When we and merged recalls ingof PHPA which Executive the PHPA Director, had grown and toremained represent in interest of past, present, and future PHPA with the AHL, that took a lot of work, and playersthat position in the until Central his retirement Hockey League in 1993, (CHL), dur Members.and advance initiatives that serve in the best

- the PHPA was a big part of that. I don’t know and International Hockey League (IHL). - missioner“I think Billthe DalyPHPA who plays has a veryinteracted stabilizing with where the leagues would have been or ended It was also during that time, in 1981, role in our sport,” says NHL Deputy Com committeesup if we hadn’t as ataken member that ofstep the at NHL’s that time.” Board when a rookie with the Nova Scotia Voya years. “They take care of their business qui- Chipman, who also Chairs various sub- geurs by the name of Larry Landon first- etly,the PHPA they onalways various seem issues to getover things the past done, 20 der appreciated impact the minor leagues tario,became Landon involved was with drafted the PHPAby the as Montreal a Player and they always seem to keep their players of Governors, knows first hand the often un- CanadiensRepresentative. while A nativeon a hockeyof Niagara scholarship Falls, On happy while trying to reach the NHL, and nothave just on theirthe NHL. existence “The NHLbut thatis really they’re depen run dent upon those development leagues, and at Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). that’s been a real benefit to us.” IS A PROUD helping to grow thelives to thePHPA. PHPA. of more thanaquarter MERIDIAN OF THE PARTNER of amillionMembers. Anniversary Meridian isOntario's Happy 50 largest credit union, ™Trademarks ofMeridianCreditUnion Limited. th

tae mny fr H paes s three is baseballleague minor of amount the times players AHL for money) (travel what anAHL player makes, while perdiem of 25% averageonly on make games, many equivalentplayers,the AHL of as play twice sentative.players,AAA baseball, In which is repre bargaining collective a have not do sorts for minor leaguebaseball players who players. Contrast thatto baseball.” stiff competition. It’s a real testament to the some organizeagainstto able They’vebeen PHPA. the for respect much so have I son Butthat’sanotherreaup to management. the sametime,it’sharder for themto stand than theirmajor leaguecounterparts, butat league players probably needaunionmore General minor think “I Berthelsen. NFLPARichard Counsel long-time said opinion,” sources thanany other sportsunioninmy nual EA SportsNHL franchise videogame. showcased withintheaward winningan AHL. AllAHL andECHL players are also the within prospects top the of 150 turing an immaculate annualtrading card setfea the UpperDeckCompany which produces with agreement licensing joint a have AHL and PHPA The level. next the reach to ers help provide thetools andsupportfor play partners suchasBioSteel andCCM Hockey cardaffinity Visafor new players.the Other of launch upcoming the as well as advice, investment accounts, savings opening es, tions from cross-border banking, mortgag situa financial of number any with players helps Institution Financial official ciation’s life.Partners the Asso - Meridian as such of quality their enhance and advance help val ues, andwho work directly withplayers to same the share who partners porate mark thatplayers would beproud to wear.” corporated throughout, andcomeupwitha in unity and strength that have to portant im was it the mark, Anniversary PHPA’s developed 50th we As communities. their speaking to kids,andreally working within ing withcommunities,goinginto schools, NHL. Theseplayers are theguys interact ing to chase their dream and move up to the everynight try mentality collar blue a with these players are outthere working hard grassroots hockey inareal tangibleway, THEIR COMMUNITIES. TOKIDS ANDREALLYGOING INTOSCHOOLS,SPEAKING WORKINGWITHIN The PHPA serves as a measuring stick of stick measuring a as PHPAserves The “The PHPA makesbetter re useoftheir The PHPA proudly boastsastableofcor THESE PLAYERS ARE THE GUYSINTERACTINGWITHCOMMUNITIES,

- ROB STRIAR, STRIAR, ROB ------tion. Thebike was recently featured atthe land Forest, andtheStaalFamily Founda Foundation, USA Hockey Foundation, Heart including Hockey Fights Cancer, the Hockey Canada charities hockey various of port sup in evenly split being proceeds all with motorcycle Harley-Davidson branded PHPA ing tickets forchance toa a custom win built Tube account. You official PHPA’s the on viewed be can video The years. 50 past the over sport the and others on whatthe PHPA to hasmeant Andrews, Dave Lamoriello, Lou Fehr, Don names inhockey includingGaryBettman, and remarks comments from some of the most influential featuring video a six-minute unveiled also PHPA The 1995. in PHPA players to becomerepresented by the playercontributions asa ECHL inleading Leich Curt PHPA ner Distinguished Member Award for his the the of as recipient event 2017 the during recognized Treliving, was Brad Manager, General Flames this pastJuneinOrlando,Florida. Representatives Player of Meeting Annual was formallythe PHPA’sat launched 50th over the course of the 2017-18 season which The PHPA is celebrating its 50th Anniversary 50THANNIVERSARY you seeinbaseball.” nightsuch a andday difference from what just It’s happens. something if you of care the unionandthatteam is going to take We know we are going to be protected by hurt andif you’re goingto betaken care of. to worry whatabout happens when you get great working conditions, haveand we don’tto have and living nice a earn to us lowed al has Collectiveyou.bargainingfor do can showssports. That sional you whatunion a people endureus that to that play profes to amazing “It’s years. ten nearly for mittee been a member of the PHPA Executive Com PHPA MemberMike McKenna, who has day,” said every food and fast family off living billet they’re a with living is and ball levelplayingAAA base is that someone see addition to formal grievance procedures. playoff season bonusesandproper healthcare in post receive players AHL players. MStyle Marketing,Founder MStyle Throughout theyear, thePHPA willbesell you when comparison easy pretty a “It’s PHPA 50THANNIVERSARY ------

XXXXX able to do that successfully for five decades. decades. five for successfully that do to able twenties. In large it’s part, a difficult task to be early / teens late their in are who individuals twoor orthree, orfour. Youare dealingwith out ofthebargaining unitinamatter ofayear and in come who (players) individuals with WAYA BETTER OFLIFEFORTHEM,THEIRTEAMMATES ANDOTHERS... POSSIBLE IFNOT FORTHOSEPLAYERS WHOMADEACOMMITMENTTOCREATE dealing are You in. negotiate to environment employersare fortunes, notmaking it’s atough the which environment an in is which PHPA, players attheminorleaguelevel. gratulated the PHPA con on 50 years of 2009 service to – 1985 from Association Player Baseball’s League Major of Director ecutive Ex as served also who Fehr, Don Director, Executive NHLPA have. they what of proud PHPAthe beshould Membership its and professional sports despite several attempts, no otherminorleagueplayer associationsin PHPA present Members andotherhockey celebrities. and past various featuring Catharines, Ontario tournamenta golf St. in with 2018 August, in celebrations niversary by calling 289-296-5561orby visitingPHPA.com. purchased be can and each $100 for able avail are tickets of number limited A events. hockey and shows motorcycle various at year Falls andwillbeshowcased throughout the Niagara in event Hockey Hometown Rogers PHPA 50THANNIVERSARY “When you have an organization like the the like organization an have you “When When put into perspective, given there are An 50th its conclude will Association The THE ADVANCEMENTSMADEOVERPAST WOULDNOT 50YEARS BE

— LARRY

LANDON, LANDON, PHPA Executive Director Director Executive PHPA - - - -

n o Pae Rpeettvs s Executive as Representatives Player of ing tern for thenext 50years.” can only continuethispat hopethatthey’ll one and decisions making in involved been havethat people the and organization the to you all thetime.It’sanenormous compliment with battling are people if even do to try you sis to berespected for what you doandwhat ba ongoing an on trust that earn tohave you of themembersfor thatperiod oftime,and To be able to first earn and then keep the trust n 93 a hs is PP Ana Meet Annual PHPA first his at 1993, In

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- players over thepast50years.” protecting therights ofprofessional hockey mental to the PHPA’s success in advancing and dedication for abetter tomorrow was instru unselfish and vision, courage,Your sociation. As the through passed have who others and better way oflife for them,theirteammates, players who madeacommitmentto create a 50 years would notbe possible ifnotfor those past the over made advancements “The on. Land said players,” hockey league rights minor of the protect and advance to Leichner privileged that I was handed the torch by Curt the greatest athletes inthe world, andfeel cel Association the ebrates its50thAnniversary healthy asever. as later 24-years true holds statement moving.’That are we rection not somuchwhere we are…but inwhich di which read, ‘Thegreatest thinginthisworld is player each Director,to plaque gavea Landon I ae en ru t sre s edr for leader as serve to proud been have “I benefit 5 different charities. charities. different 5 proceeds All benefit the Harley-Davidson for motorcycle. PHPA available custom are Tickets ■

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