The National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) decision to allow Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to join college teams in the United States has encountered minimal opposition despite the uncertainty surrounding its implications.
On November 7th, 2024, the NCAA decided that CHL players would be eligible to play NCAA Division 1 hockey starting August 1st, 2025.
The decision means that in 2025, Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players, including those from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), can now pursue their hockey careers while also taking advantage of the educational opportunities provided by NCAA institutions.
Routes to the NHL
There are many routes hockey players have to decide on to get noticed and hopefully drafted by an NHL club. The most common way is to get drafted or signed as a free agent by a CHL team and try to make a positive impression that is enough for a professional team to take a chance.
Players who aren’t drafted typically age out, try the Canadian college route, or play in Europe to get noticed. They could also try out for an NCAA team, bypass the CHL and try to get drafted that way. The only difference with this scenario in the past was that players who decided to play in the CHL were ineligible for the NCAA. With this new rule change, they can now do it.
Enhance Competition
This decision is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the CHL and NCAA hockey programs, offering players more opportunities to advance their hockey careers while gaining a college education.
Steve Callahan is the Head Coach of the St. John’s Junior Caps. Over the years, he has also served as a scout for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, Central Scouting, the American Hockey League’s St. John’s IceCaps, and International Scouting Services.
He said the changes resulting from the NCAA’s decision will positively impact junior hockey in Newfoundland and across Canada and enhance development opportunities for Canadian players who plan to play university hockey.
Better Options for Players
Callahan said the most noticeable thing will be the freedom of choice. Previously, players had to make important decisions about their hockey future at age 16, specifically about whether to pursue major junior hockey for a few years and then transition to university hockey later. He said this pathway offers better development opportunities and increases the chances for more players to reach the professional level without being forced into early decisions.
Development Won’t Be Rushed
He also said it will make developing prospects easier for NHL teams in terms of development, meaning they won't need to rush prospects.
“Making decisions on 18-year-old players is challenging for scouts, prospects, management, and executives of professional teams. When evaluating players who are 20, 21, or 22, you get a clearer picture and a more accurate assessment of their development and potential.”
Making the Jump
Spencer Caines, a forward with the QMJHL’s Charlottetown Islanders from Pasadena, NL, anxiously awaited the NCAA's decision earlier last month. Caines, born in 2005, may still be eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft this year but likes the option of playing for an NCAA team. He said Arizona State would be his top choice if he decides to go that route.
Immediate Impact
Jabez Seymour, a forward from North River, NL, who plays with the QMJHL’s Baie-Comeau-Drakkar, said he is already seeing new players from other leagues flock to his team after the decision.
“I think it's pretty cool. We're getting some new players from other leagues joining our team. The wall is coming down with the CHL and the NCAA. Players are already opting to return to the CHL, from the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), the United States Hockey League (USHL), or other top-end junior leagues.”
Callahan said building solid relationships between the USHL and the CHL is more crucial than ever, even for leagues that have separated from Hockey Canada, such as the BCHL and the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL).
New Leagues
He also said the most significant story is that change is happening fast; everyone is trying to catch up and make substantial but intelligent decisions.
“Looking back 35 years, we saw the Amherst Mooseheads become the Halifax Mooseheads. There's talk about Junior A teams potentially expanding into the OHL because they aggressively want to ensure they have more teams to provide players with additional options.”
Callahan hopes this new decision will help re-establish a QMJHL team in the province.
“I think it would be essential for Newfoundland to have a QMJHL team again. I could also see the league having more teams in the United States, such as Maine. So I think it impacts the Newfoundland hockey scene, and it'll be interesting to see how it unfolds.”
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