Curt Leichner, who passed away in May 2006, served as PHPA Executive Director from its inception in 1967 until 1993. He was instrumental in forming the players’ union and negotiating the first Collective Bargaining Agreements between the PHPA and WHL, AHL, and CHL. Thousands of professional hockey players have had their rights advanced and enforced as a result of Leichner's vision for a better workplace environment.

The PHPA Curt Leichner Distinguished Member Award is presented each year to a deserving recipient who has made significant contributions toward the advancement of the professional minor league hockey.

A founding member of the PHPA, Doug Messier was among the players who recognized the need for better protections for professional hockey players. He helped lead the effort to form a players' association in the Western Hockey League in 1967, which evolved into the PHPA when players from the AHL joined the movement the following year. His vision and commitment to collective representation established a legacy that continues to strengthen and support the lives of professional hockey players today.

The PHPA Doug Messier Award is presented each year to the ‘Most Outstanding Player’ in both the AHL and the ECHL, as voted by fellow members of the PHPA.

The 2025/26 was the inaugural year for this award.

The Professional Hockey Players’ Association, through superior preparedness and experience, is committed to the enhancement and protection of Players’ rights.

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Official Bargaining Unit for all professional players in the AHL and ECHL