Players and teams in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League are celebrating a significant rule change that allows Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to be eligible for National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division 1 hockey starting next season.
“We will take time to thoroughly review this rule change, but we see it as a positive move that will offer our players greater opportunities to pursue their hockey and academic careers after their time in the CHL,” the CHL stated.
“This change will also provide young players and their families with more options for their development path, expanding access to the CHL—the premier development league for players aged 16 to 20—to a broader range of players worldwide.”
Before the rule change, players were considered professionals if they participated in even a brief exhibition game, rendering them ineligible to play for NCAA teams. This meant young athletes, like Halifax Mooseheads defenseman Brady Schultz, faced a tough decision around the age of 15 or 16 regarding their future.
“Growing up in New England, the NCAA was everything,” Schultz recalls. “So it was a difficult choice coming up here.”
Schultz has no regrets about opting for Halifax. He believes that now, with the new rules, more players will be inclined to join the CHL instead of choosing one path over the other, and he is considering the possibility of playing in the U.S. next season.
Mooseheads goaltender Jack Milner highlights that the rule change opens up more opportunities for young athletes beyond just playing options.
“The life aspect is enormous,” Milner states. “Living abroad and experiencing a different culture in the U.S. is amazing. Being able to do that while pursuing sports offers incredible opportunities for anyone.”
Cam Russell, the Mooseheads general manager, anticipates a significant boost in skill level in the CHL now that players don’t have to choose between leagues. He believes the change will simplify recruiting and drafting, as he can invite players to training camps and exhibition games without the concern that doing so will jeopardize their NCAA eligibility.
“The great thing is now you can bring in players to evaluate for a week or two during training camp,” Russell explains. “It’s beneficial for everyone involved.”
Moncton Wildcats general manager Taylor MacDougall shares similar sentiments. He’s enthusiastic about the league and his organization, which is currently one of the top teams in the CHL. He points to successful past players from the U.S., like retired NHLer Keith Yandle and Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland, and believes the team’s strong reputation will attract more American players.
“This means even more talented athletes will come to Moncton,” MacDougall notes. “Our league and organization have a long-standing commitment to supporting players in their post-secondary education, and we look forward to extending this to a broader group of players.”
Regarding player transfers between leagues, MacDougall isn’t worried about potential issues.
“The typical age of freshmen in the NCAA is around 20 or 21,” he says. “We’re focused on being a great place to play and develop talent.”
U SPORTS Perspective While the rule change benefits QMJHL players and teams, it may pose challenges for Canadian university programs, which have traditionally seen many CHL players continue their hockey careers in Canada.
“That’s where the impact will be most strongly felt,” states Craig Eagles, a QMJHL scout and analyst. “U SPORTS offers excellent hockey, yet it remains somewhat of a hidden gem. I believe it will feel the effects significantly.”
However, Milner believes the opposite will happen, suggesting that the change will create more roster spots for players who may not have had opportunities before.
“The CHL has always been a major feeder league to U SPORTS,” he explains. “It’s a solid league, so combining the two is definitely exciting.”
In a statement to CTV Atlantic, U SPORTS indicated it is working to ensure it remains a “destination of choice for future student athletes.”
“U SPORTS respects the NCAA’s initiative to provide student-athletes with academic and athletic opportunities,” the statement read. “We take pride in our strong relationship with the CHL and its member clubs, and we are confident that our U SPORTS programs continue to offer high-quality experiences for student-athletes.”
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