The ECHL, North America’s premier minor professional hockey league operating two tiers below the NHL, postponed 13 games on Friday after players initiated a strike amid stalled collective bargaining negotiations. The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA), representing the league’s players, announced the job action following months of talks that began in January. Players voted last week to authorize the negotiating committee to call a strike. Key disputes include travel policies for back-to-back games, a holiday break, guaranteed contracts, offseason health benefits, and overall compensation. The union also accused the league of bypassing it by communicating directly with players. “Our members are simply seeking reasonable improvements that allow them to work safely and earn a sustainable living while continuing to perform at a high level,” executive director Brian Ramsay said, via ESPN. “Despite the union’s repeated efforts to meet and engage in bargaining, the league has continued to communicate dRead More