Ava McDonnell
The Orlando Solar Bears have had multiple games postponed as a league-wide players’ strike by the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) has brought regular-season action in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) to a standstill.
The labor action, which began on Friday, Dec. 26, followed the expiration of the league’s collective bargaining agreement and unsuccessful negotiations between the PHPA and ECHL leadership. In response, players across the ECHL refused to report for scheduled games, prompting officials to postpone 13 games league-wide.
A home game set for Sunday, Dec. 28, against the South Carolina Stingrays at the Kia Center in Orlando has been postponed as a result of the strike. Tickets for the postponed games will be honored when new dates are announced, and fans may also exchange tickets for other future games.
Why the Strike Happened
According to the league, the PHPA initiated the strike after the ECHL presented what it termed a “last, best, and final offer” on a new contract. That proposal reportedly included significant improvements in salary, per-diem rates, off days, and upgraded equipment for players. However, union leaders maintained that players were not allowed to vote on the deal before the strike commenced.
The labor dispute centers on a range of issues stated here, including player compensation, travel demands, working conditions, and other terms of employment.
Aside from the Solar Bears, multiple ECHL games across the United States have been postponed as the strike affects teams from Jacksonville to Toledo and beyond. League officials have indicated that they are reviewing which games can be rescheduled once a resolution is reached.
At this time, it is unclear how long the strike will continue or when play will resume. Both sides have expressed a desire to return to the negotiating table, but no new timetable for talks has been publicly announced.
Fans are encouraged to check with the Solar Bears’ official website for the most up-to-date information.
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