Almost all PHF staff were fired Sunday afternoon despite promises of similar jobs. The move has players fearful for their own assurances.

Staff of PHF teams were fired today, according to multiple sources. This comes despite communication following the acquisition of the PHF group that league and team staff would be given "substantially similar roles" in the new league.

"With limited exceptions, non-player staff members who currently work for the PHF or one of its teams will be offered substantially similar roles with the new organization," league communication to players and staff read following the acquisition.

Rather than it being "limited exceptions," it appears staff who maintained their job were the limited exception.

The Hockey News has obtained a letter sent to all PHF league and team staff on July 9 from commissioner Reagan Carey.

"The uncertainty and stress associated with this shift are real," Carey wrote. "The future gains may be hard to appreciate in this moment amidst the player, staff, and personal unknowns. The Board and I recognize the burden that has been laid upon each of you."

The initial deal with the Mark Walter Group and the PHF was signed on June 29, but becomes official July 10. With that deadline, the PHF today had to inform all staff who would remain and who would not, with almost all league and team staff being fired today. This includes the entire coaching and management staff of the Isobel Cup champion Toronto Six, including Hockey Hall of Famers Geraldine Heaney (head coach) and Angela James (general manager) and team president Sami Jo Small.

While none will stay on in the immediate future, according to communication from Carey to PHF staff, "new ownership has indicated that they will not prohibit you from applying for other opportunities with the new league."

The messaging that jobs would be maintained, followed by an almost complete termination of staff draws into question similar messaging about PHF players moving forward.

As Carey wrote in her letter to PHF team and league staff, "Our vision has been for the future league to reflect a genuine and equitable mix of our PHF team and league staff, alongside other industry leaders who have worked in and outside of the sport. Similarly, we have envisioned and discussed extensively with new ownership the importance of a fair and equitable process for players. We anticipate and expect, with such a process in place, that we see a healthy number of the PHF players advance into this new league."