Strike cancels Tahoe Knight Monsters game

STATELINE, Nev. (KOLO) - The Saturday, Dec. 27, Tahoe Knight Monsters game has been postponed during contract negotiations, according to a team Facebook post.

“The union’s decision to force all ECHL players to stop working means that tonight’s game at Rapid City (in South Dakota) is postponed,” the post said. “We’re working to have a team on the ice for our next regularly scheduled games.”

The Professional Hockey Players’ Association said the ECHL has refused all of its requests, according to a Friday, Dec. 26, X post.

That was in response to the ECHL Network’s last, best, and final offer to the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA), which includes an almost 20% pay raise in addition to paying for furnished housing, utilities, and medical/dental.

Days off, travel between games, breaks, sticks/helmets, and per diems were also addressed.

The players post said travel between back-to back games, holiday breaks, guaranteed contracts, health benefits, group rights, and player compensation remain unresolved.

“This proposal failed to meaningfully address key health, safety, and economic issues and misrepresented the impact of the proposed financial changes,” according to a Thursday, Dec. 25, players union news release. “The union also is also aware that the league is currently directing teams to engage in unlawful activities, including evictions and the removal of medical benefits, for participating in protected union activity.”

The release said the players union has repeatedly offered to return to work while continuing negotiations. It also suggested using a mediator or arbitrator. The requests were denied.

“The PHPA would like to express its gratitude for the continued support shown by fans, the broader hockey community, our brothers and sisters in sport, active and retired players, and communities in and out of the labor movement across North America,” the post said.

The team’s home ice rink is at the Tahoe Blue Event Center.