Press Release from the PHF
Immediate changes enhance competition for 2021-2022 season and playoffs
February 23, 2022 (Boston, MA) – The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) today announced a series of rule updates pertaining to roster configurations for the remainder of the 2021-22 regular season and playoffs including expansion and salary cap increases. The amendments will immediately provide all six franchises the opportunity to further enhance their lineups with top professional talent in advance of the 2022 Isobel Cup Playoffs scheduled for March 25-28 in Tampa Bay, Florida. The championship final on Monday, March 28 airs live at 9:00 p.m. ET across North America on ESPN2 and TSN2.
PHF teams are permitted to sign up to two players from other professional leagues and spend an additional $10,000 on salaries above the existing $300,000 cap for 2021-22 competition. The current roster limit of 25 contracts is expanded to 26, and clubs are also now able to dress 18 skaters per game (plus two goaltenders) increased from 17+2. 2021-22 rosters will freeze on March 14 with no free agent additions or PTO contracts available past this date.
“These changes reflect the PHF’s long-standing commitment to providing opportunities for professional athletes and our goal of attracting world class talent to our teams,” said Tyler Tumminia, PHF Commissioner. “This is another positive step forward as we approach the peak of this historic season and look towards future growth of the PHF and professional women’s hockey across North America with dedicated resources like never before.”
Beginning in the 2022-23 season, the Federation will expand to eight teams and the salary cap will rise 150 percent to $750,000. Also significantly impacting the athletes is 100 percent healthcare premiums paid by the team. The historic investments in PHF athletes will also include updating facilities, purchasing new equipment, increasing ice time for practices, and growing the season schedule to 28 games. Other top-tier benefits to come include a 10 percent player stake in the equity of each team, which will be contributed to an investment pool owned by the PHF players, enabling them to share in the league’s financial success. Players will also maintain control of their own likeness and be able to profit from their image.
These aggressive moves to provide competitive compensation and benefits to women’s hockey players are the next step toward establishing the PHF as a leader among professional sports leagues. The PHF has already transformed itself 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.
Further details for the 2022-23 season regarding free agency, entry drafts, plus salary cap and benefits will be announced at a later date.
