Orlando Solar Bears go on strike, game postponed

Story byNick PapantonisFri, December 26, 2025 at 11:46 PM UTC·1 min readThe Orlando Solar Bears’ game against Jacksonville on Friday night was postponed after the players went on strike. The Professional Hockey Players’ Association strike, which encompasses all ECHL teams, went into effect a day after ECHL administrators made what they called their “last, best, and final offer” to the union. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementECHL leaders said the offer included a 19.8% pay increase, which would be paid retroactively from the start of the season. These future salary cap increases would increase total salaries by 27% and address other concerns, such as mandatory days off, season breaks, travel expenses, and reimbursements for meals. ECHL leaders stated that they did not receive a response to that offer.“Over the course of negotiations, the league has resisted basic player safety and working condition issues,” PHPA leaders said in a statement. “It has taken almost a year to persuade the league that we should be entitled to choose helmets that properly fit us.”The statement said the league caved on specific other core issues just a few days prior, such as a holiday break. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementECHL leaders blamed the union for not letting its members vote on their offer. The next scheduled game for the Solar Bears is Sunday at the Kia Center.