Overview
- The Professional Hockey Players' Association began strike action on Dec. 26, triggering a work stoppage across the 30-team developmental league two tiers below the NHL.
- The ECHL said its last, best, and final proposal would raise the salary cap by about 19.8% this season with retroactive pay, lift per diems to $60, guarantee more days off, improve travel and holiday scheduling, and expand equipment options.
- Union leaders argue the package fails to resolve core economic and safety issues, citing low pay versus inflation, limits on back-to-backs and long bus trips, guaranteed days off and a holiday break, equipment quality, and guaranteed contracts.
- The PHPA filed an unfair labor practice charge alleging unlawful, direct league communications to players, while the ECHL contends union leaders did not let members vote on the offer and warns a strike could leave players without pay, housing, or medical benefits.
- At least 13 games scheduled for Friday were postponed, with team-by-team decisions affecting clubs such as Maine, Worcester, Norfolk, Utah, Cincinnati, and Jacksonville, and no timetable set for rescheduling as talks continue.