When the pandemic put hockey on ice, many minor league players started planning for what’s next. Uncertainty over the short-term future of the American Hockey League and ECHL raised the level of urgency. Over the past 11 months, 170 Professional Hockey Players Association members have joined the organization’s career enhancement program. They are looking into careers such as firefighting, aviation, real estate and refereeing. Amid so much uncertainty, players are looking outside the sport more than ever.
