Hockey players union calls on ECHL to settle contract dispute in letter to fans

The ECHL’s players' union is calling on the league to settle a contract dispute.

In an open letter sent on Thursday to ECHL fans, the Professional Hockey Players' Association (PHPA) said the union is looking for fairness.

The PHPA, a labor union that represents hockey players in the American Hockey League and ECHL, said its collective bargaining agreement with the ECHL and its 30 teams — including the Toledo Walleye — expired in June.

Since its expiration, the sides have continued to operate under the terms of the previous agreement while working toward a new deal.

“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,” the PHPA said in the statement.

The PHPA said