Bloomington, IL (WAND) – ECHL hockey players went on strike Friday after ongoing labor negotiations failed to reach a new agreement canceling games across the league.

The ECHL is a minor professional hockey league made up of nearly 30 teams across the U.S. and Canada, including the Bloomington Bison who expanded into the league in 2024. The league is a farm system to the AHL and NHL with many ECHL teams having direct affiliations with the two higher leagues.

The Bison’s Friday night game at Iowa was canceled because of the strike. The team’s Saturday home game is still in limbo and team officials said they would be in communication regarding any home games impacted by the strike.

The Professional Hockey Players’ Association, which represents hockey players in the AHL and ECHL, first served a strike notice on Monday.

The PHPA said the ECHL has taken part in “unfair labor practices” and the union and its players are taking steps to “protect the integrity of the bargaining process,” the union said in a statement.

“For several months, we have been engaged in bargaining with the league, and their unlawful and coercive conduct throughout this process has been incredibly disappointing,” said PHPA Executive Director Brian Ramsay.

Ramsey said the union is asking for basic standards involving player health, safety, and working conditions. Players have been concerned about equipment, back-to-back travel, and other issues.

Collective bargaining agreement talks started in January, but the union said ECHL officials have recently contacted players directly. The ECHL said its conduct has been lawful and appropriate.

On Friday, the ECHL said it made its “last, best, and final offer.”

The league said any future offers would have to account for revenue losses if any games are missed due to a player strike. The league said it does not believe its final offer has been presented to all players.

The ECHL said its most current offer includes an immediate 20 percent increase in the player salary cap for this season, plus additional salary cap increases in future seasons.

The offer also included 100 percent coverage of player housing, utility and internet costs, and medical and dental benefits, according to the league.

The league also hit back and accusations by the union and said they have negotiated in good faith and have worked to address the union’s issues.

It’s unclear how long the strike could last or when the two sides are expected to be back at the negotiating table.

Bloomington is currently in 3rd place in the Western Conference Central Division.