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The ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players' Association (PHPA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), bringing an end to a brief player strike that began on Friday (December 26). The strike had led to the postponement of several games, including those involving the Adirondack Thunder and the Maine Mariners. Players are now returning to their teams, with the agreement expected to be ratified without further issues.
The tentative deal still requires approval from both the PHPA's ECHL membership and the ECHL Board of Governors. According to a joint statement released by the league and the union, players will report to their teams in good faith and prepare to return to play, pending ratification and approval.
The strike was a result of a prolonged labor dispute between the players and the league. The ECHL had made its final offer to the PHPA on December 25, emphasizing the need for a sustainable agreement that rewards players while ensuring the league's long-term success. Despite the strike, the league expressed a commitment to reaching a fair agreement that minimizes disruption to the season.
The Adirondack Thunder are set to resume play on Wednesday (December 31) against the Maine Mariners, while the Mariners have additional games scheduled in Portland from January 2-4. As reported by Central Maine, the league and the union expressed excitement about refocusing on the game of hockey and acknowledged the importance of their fans and partners.
