On the eve of its eighth year of operation, the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Reagan Carey as commissioner. The former general manager of the American women’s hockey program replaces Tyler Tumminia, who stepped down in March.
Tyler Tumminia, who left the organization just two years after taking the job, has gone through some major changes, starting with changing the name to the league, formerly known as the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL), but also to the business model.
The golden bid that brought Reagan Carey at the helm of North America’s only professional women’s hockey league will strengthen her as the critical season for the Premier Hockey Federation begins, marked by impending expansion and the threat of creating second professional women’s hockey. league.
Carey is well aware of the problems facing women’s hockey, and its difficulties to take root in North America. His eight years at Hockey USA ended with an Olympic gold medal victory for the Americans in Pyeongchang, 2018.
To be PHF commissioner, Reagan Carey identified herself not only with her hockey experience, but with her deep understanding of the women’s sports landscapeexplained Susie Piotrkowski, director of the female part of team sports at the Octagon sports agency, partner of PHF.
I am excited to know that things are moving and some opportunities are available to us to continue the momentum of last season.he added. It shows what we are here for, to be the best league possible.
The arrival of Reagan Carey prepares the PHF, which already has six teams, to accept two new franchises, one in Montreal and another in an American city whose identity will soon be announced. The league’s board of directors has also promised to raise the roster salary cap from $ 300,000 to $ 750,000 over the next three years.
Among the challenges she faces, Carey has to manage the conflict between the PHF and the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA). The latter has intensified its discussions with NHL teams and their commercial partners for creating its own league in the coming year. The PWHPA, founded in 2019, brings together more than 200 Canadian and American players who have turned away from the PHF.
The latest attempt at negotiations between the two organizations, demanded by the NHL, came to an abrupt end when PWHPA governors ended the talks after just one day of talks.
Hand outstretched
Carey remains diplomatic with the PWHPA, saying she views those who want to promote women’s sports as teammates. He said he was advocating a strategy outstretched hand.
Whatever entity you represent, I believe in the idea that a candle flame does not fade when something is lit.Carey explained
” Creating options for female players benefits everyone. It can only be useful for our sport. I support everyone who wants to advance women’s professional hockey, including players who work with PWHPA. “
During her time at Hockey USA, Carey oversaw a women’s program that won six world titles and four more under-18s. He also took part in the negotiations that made it possible to avoid the boycott, by American athletes, of the 2017 World Championship, which was presented at home. This situation leads to better compensation for players and better conditions.
Ultimately, it was an important moment for women’s hockey, and I’m proud to be a part of it.Carey rejoiced. Hockey USA had the opportunity to listen and build a better structure for women’s hockey and put more resources into it. Eventually, the players who took the lead in this charge improved their fortunes.
While working at Hockey USA, Carey was aware of the difficulties the NWHL faced, such as a 50% drop in player salaries in the second season.
Certainly, PHF is flawed. It had its share of failures and hurdles, but it met existing needsCarey recalls.
Carey previously worked in sports and performance development and marketing for the Atlanta Trashers in the NHL and the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA.
Source: Radio-Canada
