Canadian Hockey League Players' Association

The Canadian Hockey League Players' Association (CHLPA) was a proposed labour union that tried to represent the players of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and its three constituent leagues: the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL). The CHLPA's primary focus revolved around the education packages the three leagues offer players during and after their junior hockey careers. Its executive director was former National Hockey League (NHL) player Georges Laraque.

The CHL resisted the union's creation, and was faced with threats of lawsuits by the union for operating in "sweatshop" conditions. Believing the association was being evasive in requests to identify the individuals behind the union, the CHL hired private investigators. The CHLPA fell into disarray two months after its founding over questions of whether Randy Gumbley, a man twice convicted of defrauding junior hockey players, was involved. Laraque announced on November 1, 2012, that he would step down as executive director once he handed the fledgling union over to an established body.

The proposed players' association first emerged in August 2012. CHLPA spokesman Derek Clarke stated the union had gone public with its intents after 14 months of planning and with representatives from all 60 of the CHL's teams. The CHLPA announced it intends to seek certification in each province that CHL teams operate as well as the United States. A story by The Junior Hockey News published on August 17, 2012 revealed the CHLPA's existence, stated the association adopted its constitution on August 9, 2012, and formed a board of governors. The association named former NHL player Georges Laraque its first executive director on August 21, 2012.

While Clarke claimed the CHLPA had widespread support from players, most stated they were not aware of the proposed association's goals, and some had never heard of it. When asked, Peterborough Petes' goaltender Andrew D'Agostini stated: "I can’t complain about the things I have gotten out of this league. The experience of playing for Team Canada. Playing in the Subway Series. You’re always decked out in nice gear and are given free stuff. I’m sure I have gone through thousands of dollars worth of hockey sticks alone. I know I have been well taken care of. I don’t know what to say."

...
Wikipedia