Major Junior Eligibility

Next season is slated to be the first season that the NCAA has allowed Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to maintain their eligibility for NCAA hockey. This decision, effective August 1, 2025, is a game-changer for the hockey world. To understand its significance it is necessary to understand how hockey development systems work and where college hockey fits into the larger picture.

In North America, hockey players have several paths they can take as they develop their skills and aim for professional leagues like the NHL. Traditionally, there have been two primary tracks just below the professional ranks: major junior hockey (CHL) and NCAA hockey.

The CHL is the top junior hockey league in Canada and is made up of three leagues: Western Hockey League (WHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). 

These leagues are for players aged 16-20 and are considered the main route to professional hockey through Canada. Many NHL stars have developed in the CHL as it offers high-level  competition and a schedule that mirrors that of professional leagues with teams playing close to 60 games per season. 

The other primary development path is through NCAA college hockey, where players compete while earning their college degrees. The NCAA emphasizes amateurism, meaning players cannot be paid to play and must follow strict rules to maintain their eligibility. College hockey has taken a large leap forward over the past 10 years, and now develops over one-third of all NHL players. 

There are additional paths to making it as a pro hockey player, such as the United States Hockey league (USHL) or going to Europe. But the CHL and NCAA remain the two most-popular development routes for players in North America aiming for the NHL.

Under the new rule, players who compete in the CHL are no longer automatically ineligible to play NCAA hockey. Now, they can join NCAA teams if they did not receive payments beyond basic expenses while in the CHL. Essentially, the rule allows for more fluid movement between major junior and college hockey, giving players more options in their path.

The rule change was instigated by a lawsuit filed by a former CHL player, claiming the NCAA’s restrictions violated US antitrust laws. 

CHL eligibility will likely reshape the college hockey landscape in a few ways. First, there is now an expanded talent pool that college recruiters can pull from. Secondly, young players no longer have to choose one path between the CHL or college hockey at an early age. They can begin in one system and switch later if the other better suits their goals. Additionally, as college hockey continues to expand, the increased pool will allow for increased competition within the NCAA.

While the rule change is an exciting opportunity for many, there are also a number of hurdles to navigate. The NCAA programs will need to carefully monitor their CHL recruits to ensure they continue to meet eligibility rules. 

For hockey as a whole, this decision bridges a gap between two previously separate development systems. It aligns major junior hockey more closely with NCAA hockey, creating a more cohesive environment for player development.

This change is expected to bring more attention to NCAA hockey, as fans and scouts will now see CHL players competing in the college ranks. It also gives young players more flexibility to chart their careers and the ability to prioritize hockey and education.