ROSTER BUILDING BEGINS FOR 2022-23 PHF SEASON

Unrestricted free agency opens May 1 for athletes to sign new standard player agreements

BOSTON, MA (April 20, 2022) – The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) today announced a series of updates pertaining to team roster building for the 2022-23 season including free agency details that prioritize an athlete’s freedom of choice, and enhancements to new standard player agreements that affirm a strengthened commitment to current and prospective PHF athletes.

PHF teams have the exclusive right to re-sign any rostered players from the 2021-22 season up until April 30, with unrestricted free agency officially commencing on May 1. This upcoming season will not include a PHF Entry Draft or International Draft meaning all amateur athletes graduating from NCAA and U SPORTS programs or those who have consumed all of their post-secondary athletic eligibility immediately qualify for unrestricted free agency along with athletes from other North American and International professional leagues and associations.

“PHF free agency provides elite athletes the best opportunity to continue their careers by developing and competing at the highest level of professional women’s hockey in North America,” said Lisa Haley, PHF Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations. “This particular class of graduating collegiate level players is extremely robust and we’re excited to begin a process that offers them the same autonomy as veteran players to explore all available options on their own terms. The inbound player interest in the PHF so far this offseason is very encouraging and will enable us to continue raising the calibre of play across all of our teams when the puck drops this fall.”

The confirmed salary cap for the 2022-23 PHF season will be a record $750,000 per team (with a floor of 75 percent of the cap, or $562,500) offering professional women’s hockey players compensation like never before. For the first time in PHF history, players have the ability to come to terms on two-year deals through the 2023-24 season and may also receive signing bonuses up to 10 percent of their total contract value. The new standard player agreements include a comprehensive benefits plan with medical coverage from Aetna, plus dental and vision coverage through MetLife. One hundred percent of the premiums will be paid for the players and they will have no deductibles. Players also have the ability to top up coverage to add spouse/children to the policy, as applicable. There is also a parental leave benefits plan, and a player equity incentive award that allows players to share in value appreciation of the PHF with greater consideration to players based on the number of years they have played. Championship bonuses to members of the Isobel Cup winning team have also increased by 250 percent, plus improvements to policies for meals and stipends provided on trips for away games. Players will also continue to receive a percentage of sales of team jerseys bearing their name.

“Season eight contracts were written with input from the PHF Players’ Association and I’m pleased with the commitment from the PHF Board of Governors who were receptive to our requests and open to improvements that will enhance the player experience,” said Nicole Corriero, Executive Director of the PHF Players’ Association. “This season there will be PHF players who are going to sign multi-year agreements and some contracts are going to exceed six figures. This is an exciting step forward for professional women’s hockey and these deserving athletes.”

Competitive compensation and benefits provided to women’s hockey players will continue to distinguish the PHF as a leader among professional sports leagues. The PHF has made great strides over the past 18 months by establishing a joint venture model, generating landmark broadcast and corporate partnerships, drawing record digital viewership, and redefining its brand based on the singular skills of its athletes.

Prospective players may register online for free agent consideration at premierhockeyfederation.com/freeagency. Submitted information is compiled by the PHF and shared equally among all teams. Any player information previously submitted for 2022 draft consideration has been consolidated among free agent requests.

The PHF will also be hosting a series of virtual Town Hall meetings intended for prospective players with the details to be announced at a later date.

About the Premier Hockey Federation
The PHF is the home of professional women’s hockey in North America. Established in 2015 as the National Women’s Hockey League, the NWHL rebranded to become the PHF in 2021 and provide opportunities for elite athletes to earn a living playing the game they love while fueling the continued growth of the sport. The league is made up of the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan Riveters, Minnesota Whitecaps, and the Toronto Six who all compete annually for the Isobel Cup. For more information visit premierhockeyfederation.com.