(FORT WAYNE) - A tentative collective bargaining agreement between the Professional Hockey Players' Association and the ECHL could bring an end to the labor dispute that led to multiple game postponements across the league, including games involving the Fort Wayne Komets.
The agreement still requires ratification by union members and approval from the ECHL Board of Governors. While the deal is not yet final, players have been instructed to report to their teams and begin preparing for a return to play while the ratification process moves forward.
The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty after negotiations stalled earlier this month. The PHPA said ECHL players had overwhelmingly authorized a strike, allowing union leaders to call a work stoppage if talks failed to advance.
Teams had been operating without a collective bargaining agreement since June. The union cited concerns over player compensation, rest and recovery standards, and pay for team-related appearances as central issues in negotiations. League officials have said they believed a fair offer had been made.
Tensions escalated during the holiday break when players officially went on strike, resulting in the postponement of multiple games that were scheduled to be played last week. While the league attempted to continue games where teams could still field full rosters, several matchups were delayed.
The Fort Wayne Komets confirmed that Sunday's scheduled game against Kalamazoo Wings was postponed as part of the labor stoppage and will remain postponed pending ratification of the agreement. The Komets are currently scheduled to return to action on December 31 against the Bloomington Bison, assuming the agreement is finalized.
Tickets for postponed Komets games will be honored on rescheduled dates. Single-game ticket holders may exchange tickets at the Coliseum Ticket Office for a future game, including playoff contests, or request refunds from the original point of purchase.
Additional details about the agreement are expected once the contract is formally ratified and approved.