(Photo by Taylor Lachance/ Red Deer Rebels)

By Ian Gustafson

CHL development

Local junior hockey leagues react to NCAA eligibility rule change

Nov 7, 2024 | 5:36 PM

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.

“We are thrilled that upon graduation from the WHL, players will have additional options as they pursue the next step in their personal and hockey journey. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome a new wave of talent and we take great pride in our responsibility to support all WHL players in the pursuit of their goals – be that on the ice, in the classroom, and as contributing members of the community,” Near added.

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“Players completing their eligibility with the WHL will continue to receive access to our leading post-secondary scholarship, funded by our 22 Member Clubs. In the 2023-24 season, the education bills for over 300 WHL Alumni were paid directly by the League and Clubs totalling in excess of $3 million in funding. The WHL is proud to continue this practice.

“The best in the West can now look forward to chasing their dreams alongside one another in the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players – the Western Hockey League.”

The British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) also released a statement saying they remain committed to their development model of preparing student athletes for college hockey on the ice, in the community, and in the classroom.

“The BCHL has been around for 63 years and has been a pipeline to the NCAA for decades, with league alumni currently making up 25 per cent of all Division 1 players, which is more than all other Canadian leagues combined.

“For the past four years, the BCHL has taken steps to improve our standards and enhance our resources for student athletes, while using our independence to our advantage.

“The BCHL is committed to doing whatever is best for our athletes and will continue to adapt to the changing landscape of junior hockey.”

Meanwhile, Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) commissioner Ryan Bartoshyk said in a statement that the Western Canadian Development Model, created in partnership with the WHL, western Junior A leagues, and provincial branches introduced prior to the season, proactively prepared them for the future direction of hockey.

“Today’s changes by the NCAA and the recently created WCDM provide unlimited opportunities for athletes and put players first. Player development is truly at the forefront of these new movements in junior hockey,” Bartoshyk added.

“The AJHL is positioned exceptionally well to expand the relationship with our partners in the NCAA and WHL in developing and advancing players.”