ECHL, players reach tentative CBA deal, end strike

The ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association have reached tentative approval on a new collective bargaining agreement to end a strike that lasted two days.

The league and the union on Saturday night announced the deal that still needs to be ratified by the board of governors and the full player membership. A total of 28 games had been postponed Friday and Saturday since the PHPA went on strike.

The sides released no details about the CBA that they believe will bring players back to work. They had been engaged in talks since January.

It was not immediately clear when play would resume in the 30-team North American minor hockey league that is two tiers below the NHL.