Local junior hockey leagues react to NCAA eligibility rule change
The National Colleges Athletic Association (NCAA) Div. I Council approved a rule change on Thursday that will allow Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to play collegiate U.S. hockey starting next season.
Previously, CHL players weren’t allowed to play hockey at NCAA colleges because they were categorized as professional players in the eyes of the NCAA. The NCAA deemed them professional players because CHL athletes would receive an allowance to pay for necessities like food and rent.
The new move could potentially have big implications not only for the CHL but for Junior A leagues like the AJHL and BCHL who consistently produced players for the NCAA.
Western Hockey League commissioner Dan Near said the decision creates an opportunity for top elite hockey players in Western Canada and the U.S. to choose the WHL for their development without the risk of losing NCAA eligibility.