Savannah Ghost Pirates set to return as PHPA ratifies five-year ECHL agreement

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Professional Hockey Players’ Association announced Tuesday that its ECHL membership has ratified a new, five-year collective bargaining agreement with the ECHL.

The new agreement will run through the 2029-30 season, ending a labor dispute that led to 28 game postponements across the league, including multiple Savannah Ghost Pirates games.

The ratification follows a tentative agreement announced over the weekend between the ECHL and the PHPA. The deal had remained subject to approval by the ECHL Board of Governors and ratification by the full player membership.

“This agreement reflects the unity, resolve, professionalism and discipline of our members throughout this process,” said PHPA Executive Director Brian Ramsay. “Meaningful progress was made in several key areas identified as priorities by our members, and this outcome would not have been possible without their engagement and support.”

Ramsay thanked the PHPA Bargaining Committee, ECHL membership, and PHPA staff for their work in reaching the agreement. He also acknowledged support from the AFL-CIO, NHLPA, PWHLPA, NFLPA, CFLPA, and labor organizations from across North America.

The sides had been engaged in talks since January before the PHPA went on strike. The 30-team North American minor hockey league sits two tiers below the NHL.

Further details about the collective bargaining agreement are expected to be released.