• Loading stock data...
Saturday, November 23, 2024

NCAA Lifts Long-Standing Ban on Canadian Hockey League Players

The decision marks a big change for the NHL’s talent pipeline, as a small living stipend has largely kept top Canadian players out of the NCAA.

Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The NCAA announced a major shift in men’s college ice hockey Thursday, abolishing its long-standing ban on Canadian Hockey League players and opening up the door to a total reroute of the NHL’s talent development pipeline.

Players in the CHL are given a stipend of up to $600 per month for living expenses, but that amount is not deemed income for tax purposes. Still, the NCAA had long deemed those players pros—until the NCAA Division I council approved the rule change Thursday.

Momentum has been building from players in recent months who want a shot at college hockey. Canadian junior hockey player Ryan Masterson filed a class action lawsuit against the NCAA and 10 universities in August claiming the ban violated antitrust laws. The next month, CHL player Braxton Whitehead verbally committed to Arizona State for the 2025–2026 season, essentially betting the rules would be overturned by then.

The new rule change, which also applies to skiing, was first proposed last month. The new guidelines will begin Aug. 1. They don’t specifically name the CHL; the rules “enable prospects who participate in major junior ice hockey or on professional teams to retain NCAA eligibility as long as they are not paid more than actual and necessary expenses as part of that participation,” according to the proposal.

“While we will take time to fully review this rule change, we believe this is a positive development that will provide our players with more opportunities to continue their hockey and academic careers following their time in the CHL,” the league said in a statement Thursday. “It will also give young players and their families more options in choosing their development path, which includes opening up the CHL – the best development hockey league in the world for players aged 16-20 – to more players worldwide.” The league also added it’s been the “number one supplier of talent to the NHL” for 55 years.

The change will mean more Canadian players will enter the college hockey system and alter how young players find their way into the NHL.

It could also affect the USHL, the top junior league in the U.S., where players currently keep their college eligibility. For that reason, the USHL is currently the main funnel into NCAA hockey, but that will all change next year, potentially leading to a drop in USHL numbers. The NHL’s 2021 and 2024 No. 1 draft picks came from the USHL.

“The USHL remains the world’s premier development path. All aspects of the League are focused on preparing athletes for collegiate and professional hockey, inclusive of on-ice, academic and character development,” the USHL said in a statement in response to the NCAA’s ruling, while adding that more than half of D-I men’s ice hockey players came up through its ranks.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Billionaire Larry Ellison

Oracle Billionaire Larry Ellison Funded Michigan’s NIL Stunner

It appears to be Ellison’s first major investment in college sports.

Reader Mailbag: Why Are NBA Ratings Down to Start the Season?

NBA viewership is down 28% on ESPN through the first four weeks.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

How Conference Expansion Has Changed College Football

0:00

Featured Today

Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) celebrates after defeating NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 2024 NWSL Playoffs semifinal match at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit:

The Washington Spirit’s Business Makeover Carried Them to the Finals

The team’s return to the NWSL championship looks a lot different from 2021.
Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant of the United States (2) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
November 21, 2024

F1 Grand Prix Upended Vegas Last Year. Stakes Are High for Its..

Stakes are high as F1 gears up for a successful second act.
Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up
November 18, 2024

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.
Nov 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after fouling Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (not pictured) during the second half at Madison Square Garden.
opinion
November 16, 2024

NBA Ratings Rorschach Test: Buy the Dip

Was it the election? Too many threes? Lack of storylines?

The Big Noon Debate: Will Ohio State’s Early Games Lead to Change?

The Buckeyes will end the season with seven noon ET kickoffs.
November 21, 2024

Old Rivals, New Stakes: Notre Dame and Army to Clash in Yankee..

The two schools are playing for the first time since 2016.
November 22, 2024

Michigan Flips No. 1 QB Bryce Underwood With Reported Eight-Figure NIL Deal

Underwood grew up near Michigan’s campus.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke gazes into the crowd after the Hoosiers beat Michigan on Nov. 9, 2024, in Bloomington, Indiana.
November 21, 2024

Companies Are ‘Misleading’ Athletes About Settlement Money, House Lawyers Say

Lawyers are asking the judge to take action to protect players.
Geno Auriemma
November 20, 2024

Geno Auriemma Becomes All-Time Winningest NCAA Basketball Coach

He took the record from Tara VanDerveer, who set it in January.
Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on before the game against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field.
November 20, 2024

Prime Time: Colorado Now Favored to Win Big 12, Eyes CFP Berth

Colorado is No. 16 in the latest CFP rankings.
November 20, 2024

Sparks Turn to College Ranks: Utah’s Lynne Roberts Named Head Coach

The Atlanta Dream hired Karl Smesko last week.