NCAA Allows Canadian Hockey League Players in College

The NCAA has voted to lift its longstanding ban on players with Canadian Hockey League (CHL) experience from participating in NCAA Division I hockey, effective August 1, 2025. This rule change allows players who have skated with professional or CHL teams to retain their eligibility, a decision influenced by a class-action lawsuit alleging antitrust violations. The vote aims to align NCAA hockey eligibility with other sports, as previously, any player who participated in CHL games was deemed a professional, disqualifying them from college hockey. The changes are expected to significantly alter recruitment strategies, potentially flooding U.S. college rosters with Canadian talent and impacting the CHL's player pool. Josh Whitman, chair of the NCAA's DI Council, described the decision as a pragmatic step, while players like Braxton Whitehead have already begun committing to NCAA programs in anticipation. This development opens new opportunities for players, allowing them to balance education with competitive play in NCAA hockey.