As the rules currently state, when a Canadian Hockey League player goes over 20 years old, that athlete's done with the CHL and can not play NCAA hockey afterwards. According to Trailblazer Hockey advisor CEO Wayne Kosior, that rule might change.
"I've talked to NCAA Division I coaches, they're all telling me 100 percent it's going to happen for next year. The 2025-2026 academic year, CHL players will be eligible," Kosior told the SportsCage.
"In November, there's going to be an NCAA coaches meeting that's going to be happening," Kosior said. "All indications are that's when it will be declared that CHL players will now become eligible. My perception is it's going to be primarily the 2004 borns who are going to be drawing the most attention because they're ready to go."
The current rule stated by College Hockey: "NCAA student-athletes are amateurs and cannot have played for a professional sports team prior to enrolment. In hockey, specifically, this means that anyone who signs a contract with or plays for a team in the Canadian Hockey League -- OHL, QMJHL, or WHL -- forfeits their NCAA eligibility."
Regina Pats forward Braxton Whitehead has verbally committed to join the Arizona State University hockey team for the 2025-2026 academic year. That came after a class action lawsuit was filed in Buffalo, NY against the NCAA which could change CHL player eligibility.
"I don't expect many CHL players to go for the NCAA with anything less than full rides. It's important to know that in the 2025-2026 season, NCAA hockey is going to allow 26 full scholarships per team versus what was historically 18," Koisor said.
“Division I is the only division that can provide athletic scholarships. NCAA Division III you're reliant more on your academics. It's primarily academics, merit-based scholarships, academic aid-based scholarships, and financial aid.”
The Regina Pats play the Seattle Thunderbirds on Saturday, October 19. Make sure to catch the pre-game show at 5:30 p.m., and puck drop at 6 p.m. live on 620 CKRM.
