Premier Hockey Federation hires Reagan Carey as new commissioner
The Premier Hockey Federation announced Tuesday that Reagan Carey has been named its new commissioner, as previously reported by Melissa Burgess. Carey succeeds Tyler Tumminia, who held the post for two seasons, during which the women’s pro league rebranded itself from the NWHL to the PHF.
Carey previously served as USA Hockey’s director of women’s ice hockey and was GM of the U.S. national team, which captured gold at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. She worked for USA Hockey from 2010-2018. She officially takes over the job May 10. She was selected by a search committee that was chaired by Tobin Kelly of the PHF board of governors.
“The search committee had the opportunity to speak with many exceptional candidates who were considered for the role of PHF Commissioner over the course of this process,” Kelly said in a league release. “What stands out about Reagan Carey is not only her incredible depth of experience in the world of women’s hockey but the collaborative approach she brings to the position. In all of our many conversations, Reagan’s commitment to communication and her values that advocate for what is right and put players first, make her the perfect leader for the next phase of growth in the PHF. We are all excited about welcoming Reagan as she takes the lead in moving the PHF forward.”
Carey catches on to the PHF during a period of major change and funding influx. In January, the league announced plans to more than double its salary cap from $300,000 to $750,000 and add two expansion franchises for 2022-23, its eighth season. The board of governors committed more than $25 million over the next three years. The average salary increased to $37,500 on a 20-player minimum-sized roster or $30,000 on a maxed-out player roster, with no limit on individual salaries as long as the teams are cap compliant. Unrestricted free agency for the coming season begins May 1.
As the PHF welcomes its new commissioner, its relationship with the Professional Women’s Hockey Player Association remains relatively adversarial. The two organizations broke off discussions on a potential unified league earlier this month. The following week, Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek indicated the PWHPA is working on a new league structure that includes six teams, salaries ranging from $35,000 to $55,000 and will begin play in January 2023.
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