Category Archives: Business

ECHL announces Voluntary Suspension of Iowa Membership for 2026-27 Season

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The ECHL announced today that the League’s Board of Governors has approved the request of the Iowa Heartlanders’ Membership for a Voluntary Suspension for the 2026-27 Season.ECHL announces Voluntary Suspension of Iowa Membership for 2026-27 Season

During the suspension period, the organization will evaluate strategic alternatives aimed at ensuring a sustainable long-term future for professional hockey in the Corridor, including potential investment or ownership partnerships that support the continued success of the Membership.

The ECHL will continue to work with the Heartlanders’ ownership group during the suspension period as the organization evaluates its future. The League remains committed to the continued growth and stability of its member teams and markets.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision that followed months of careful evaluation,” said Heartlanders owner Michael Devlin. “Despite significant efforts to stabilize and strengthen the organization, we concluded that stepping back for a season is the most responsible course while we review long-term solutions. As stewards of the team, we believe this step gives the organization the best opportunity to return on a stronger and more sustainable footing.”

“We worked through every potential path that might have allowed us to continue uninterrupted,” Heartlanders President Matt Getz said. “Ultimately, we believe this pause provides the organization the best opportunity to position the Membership for long-term success.”

The Iowa organization expresses deep gratitude to the fans, partners, players, staff and the City of Coralville who have supported the Heartlanders since the team’s founding.

The ECHL will play with 30 Members during the 2026-27 season.

Dundee Stars Ownership

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The Elite Ice Hockey League would like to place on record its sincere thanks to the Ward family following their decision to sell the Dundee Stars after 25 years of ownership.

Dundee joined the EIHL in 2010, and over more than 15 years the Ward family have been committed to professional ice hockey in Dundee and to the continued growth of the EIHL. Their passion, investment and stewardship have helped establish the Stars as a valued member of the league, while also strengthening the sport’s presence in Scotland. Their contribution has played an important role in the league’s development, both on and off the ice.

On behalf of the EIHL Board and its member teams, the EIHL thanks the Ward family for their dedication and service over the past 16 years and wishes them every success for the future.

Photo: Derek Black

PWHL, The Tragically Hip announce merchandise collection

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NEW YORK AND TORONTO – The Tragically Hip have been championing women’s ice hockey for 30 years and as a new era for the sport takes shape, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and the legendary Canadian band have come together to release a limited merchandise collection that captures the natural connection between the two cultural touchstones. The collaboration features the iconic The Tragically Hip shield with the PWHL logo on three unique pieces – a hoodie, t-shirt and beanie/toque – available today exclusively at thepwhl.com.

“The Tragically Hip have been a throughline in both my hockey and personal life growing up in Kingston, Ontario, capturing the spirit of our sport through their enduring storytelling while continuing to advocate for and give back to women’s sports and their local communities,” said Jayna Hefford, Executive Vice President, Hockey Operations, PWHL. “It’s surreal to see The Tragically Hip shield alongside our PWHL logo, and I’m looking forward to wearing the collection and sharing it with our fans.”

“We are very excited about this collaboration with the PWHL. Supporting women’s sports is something we’ve always been a part of, so when this opportunity presented itself, it was a no-brainer. It’s been incredible to see the energy and opportunities the PWHL is creating in this new era for women’s hockey,” said The Tragically Hip.

Few bands have resonated as deeply with Canadians, or with hockey culture, as The Tragically Hip. Spanning a more than 40-year career and nine number one albums in Canada, their music has brought people together across generations and regions, becoming a shared soundtrack in arenas and communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The Tragically Hip’s enduring storytelling is inseparable from the fabric of Canadian hockey culture and identity, including the song “Fifty Mission Cap,” which tells the true story of Canadian hockey player, Bill Barilko.

Beyond their deeply rooted musical connection, The Tragically Hip have long advocated for women’s sport, emphasized at the grassroots level by supporting access and empowering girls to stay engaged in sport. The band began sponsoring girls’ minor hockey in Kingston in the 1990s, cheering on the Kingston Kodiaks and then the Ice Wolves, and through that, sponsoring and forming a lifelong connection with Hefford.

The PWHL x The Tragically Hip collection is available now at thepwhl.com while supplies last.

AHL, PHPA ratify new five-year CBA

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. / NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. … The American Hockey League and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association today announced the ratification of a new five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The new CBA, which is effective through August 31, 2030, has been ratified by both the AHL’s Board of Governors and the PHPA’s AHL player membership.

“The American Hockey League is pleased to have completed this Collective Bargaining Agreement,” said Scott Howson, AHL President and Chief Executive Officer. “I would like to thank executive director Brian Ramsay and the PHPA’s AHL Executive Committee for their work in reaching the new agreement. We have long had a positive relationship with our players and we look forward to continuing to work with the PHPA so that the League and our players can grow and prosper for years to come.”

“This agreement delivers important gains for our members while providing long-term certainty across the League,” said PHPA Executive Director Brian Ramsay. “This was a collaborative and disciplined bargaining process that resulted in a strong agreement for our membership. I’d like to thank the PHPA bargaining committee, our AHL membership, our PHPA staff, as well as Scott Howson and the AHL bargaining committee for their efforts.”

Currently celebrating its 90th-anniversary season, the American Hockey League continues to serve as the top development league for the players, coaches, managers, executives, broadcasters and staff of all 32 National Hockey League teams. Nearly 90 percent of NHL players each year are American Hockey League graduates, and more than 130 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame spent time in the AHL in their careers.

Since 1967, the Professional Hockey Players’ Association has served to advance and advocate on behalf of its members. The PHPA represents more than 1,800 players across 62 teams in the AHL and ECHL, while also serving more than 10,000 former PHPA Members through its Alumni Network. For more information, please visit PHPA.com.

Biggest ever EIHL holiday crowds recorded!

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Attendances over the Christmas and New Year period went over 120,000 fans this season, beating last year’s total – and with one fewer game played!

In total, 120,037 fans came to games between 26 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. This beats last season’s total of 117,162 over the same period which also saw one more game take place.

The season’s figure included Sheffield Steelers setting a new Elite League attendance record on 26 December!

Thank you for your support over the Festive Period!

Photo: Thomas Shephard

AHL, PHPA reach tentative agreement on new CBA

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement.

The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by the AHL Board of Governors and by the PHPA’s AHL membership.