NCAA Approves Eligibility for CHL Players

The NCAA Division I Council has approved a significant rule change allowing players with Canadian Hockey League (CHL) experience to compete in NCAA Division I hockey, effective August 1, 2025. This decision lifts the previous ban that deemed CHL players as professionals due to stipends they receive, enabling them to retain NCAA eligibility as long as their compensation does not exceed actual expenses. While this opens new opportunities for young players, it may impact the CHL by diverting talent to U.S. colleges. The ruling does not apply to NCAA Division III and still prohibits players under NHL contracts from participating in NCAA hockey. The CHL, in support of the change, has expressed optimism about providing players with more academic and athletic options. The NCAA's decision follows a class-action lawsuit that challenged the earlier restrictions on CHL players' eligibility.