To Our Loyal Fans,

First and foremost, thank you for your support, passion, and loyalty, qualities that make us proud to play in front of you, and that make this league special. Every time we step on the ice, we do so with respect and gratitude for you, the fans who fill our arenas, for the kids in our jerseys, and for the love of the game that connects us all within our community.

Today, we’re writing to share an honest update about the state of our collective bargaining negotiations with the ECHL. Our previous collective bargaining agreement expired in June and since its expiration, we’ve continued to operate under the terms of the previous agreement while working toward a new deal with the League.  

Unfortunately, we remain far apart from the League on several fundamental issues that speak to fairness, respect, and the sustainability of professional hockey at this level.

Basic Standards

As ECHL players, we are proud professionals. We train year-round. We have a challenging travel schedule. We play through injuries, and we represent our cities with pride. As a result, rest is imperative to ensure that we can sustain this level of play. 

Unfortunately, we have not been able to reach an agreement with the League regarding mandatory rest periods. Rest and recovery are not optional for a professional athlete; they are essential to a player’s performance, health, and safety. We cannot keep playing the game if we are not afforded the rest necessary to keep our bodies intact.

Fair Wages

Despite our commitment, many of us in this League still earn less than minimum wage. On average, a player in the ECHL makes just over half of what the referee will be paid in that same game you watch.

Even as ticket prices rise and revenue from merchandise, food, and beverages continues to grow, players collectively do not receive a share of these revenues.

Community Involvement and Off-Ice Contributions

ECHL players take great pride in being active members in our communities. From school visits and charity auctions to appearances and fan events, we have generously given our time without seeing a single dollar. We’ve done it because we care deeply about the fans and cities we represent. 

The auctions that you make so successful, the auctions teams use to drive their revenues – bidding on jerseys off our backs – provide us with a sense of appreciation, but we as players do not see a penny from those sales. 

As is the standard with all other professional sports leagues, we deserve to be paid for corporate and auction-related events. The teams earn money from our appearances at these events yet they have not yet agreed to share any of the proceeds with us.  
 

Our goodwill has come at a personal cost. Many players now need to find additional work outside the game just to make ends meet, which naturally limits the time available for off-ice appearances and team-run events. Even so, we remain committed to our communities and will continue participating in charitable and fan-driven activities throughout the year.

Looking Ahead

We are not asking for extravagance. We are asking for fairness: proper rest that respects the physicality of the game and us as professionals, good-faith negotiations, and a living wage. Every player wants to continue delivering the high-level of competition and excitement that ECHL fans deserve. The ECHL has grown tremendously because of your passion and because of our support and dedication as players. 

We will continue working in good faith to establish a fair agreement that strengthens this league for everyone: players, fans, and the future of the game itself. As negotiations continue, players’ focus will remain on giving you our best where it matters most – on the ice. 

With gratitude and respect, thanks for your support. 

Sincerely,

ECHL Players