MAJOR CHANGE COMING: CHL Players Might Finally Get Their NCAA Shot

Welcome to All Access Hockey.

The hockey world is buzzing. The NCAA is making moves. And hockey families are scratching their heads.

Big changes are coming that could flip the script on the entire development path – from Moose Jaw to Miami.

Here’s what we’ll cover in less than 5 minutes:

• NCAA's about to change the game for CHL players

• What this means for young players

• Strategies you should be thinking about

• Questions from the MailBag

Let’s dive in!

The Big News:

The hockey development landscape is about to transform. What's coming could be the biggest change to player pathways in decades.

In early November 2024, the NCAA is voting on whether CHL players can keep their college eligibility. You might be thinking, “Cool…but why does this matter?”

Here’s why it’s huge:

Imagine you’ve got a 15-year-old hockey phenom. Right now, they’re staring down what I call The Choice. Every hockey family knows this talk—it’s the 6 a.m. Tim Horton’s debate.

Option #1: 

Take the CHL path (that’s the WHL, OHL, or QMJHL for my American friends). This is junior hockey’s Ivy League—the stomping ground of Connor Bedard, Connor McDavid, and Sidney Crosby. Many people have traditionally said it’s the “fast track” to the NHL.

Here's what many hockey families don't realize—the CHL already has a scholarship program. You can use it at any school, but the amount is based on the cost at the public university closest to your hometown. Every season you play earns you a guaranteed year of college: tuition, fees, textbooks—the whole playbook. Four years in the league? That's a full degree, covered.

Option #2: 

Take the NCAA route. Step onto the ice at world-class arenas with NHL-caliber facilities, play in front of 10,000+ fans at many programs and earn a prestigious degree. This isn't just college hockey—it's a pro experience with an education.

And right now? You can’t have both. Pick one, and that’s it. Even a few CHL games wipes out NCAA eligibility, and that CHL scholarship? Usually, you’ve got just 18 months after junior hockey to use it.

But if the vote passes, the game changes.

Starting August 2025, those two paths merge into one super-path. Picture it: CHL’s guaranteed scholarships plus NCAA athletic scholarships. It’s like an education superpower upgrade.

Here’s the Deal:

• Play in the CHL at 16.

• Get five full seasons of Major Junior hockey.

• Compete in international tournaments.

• And—yep—still play college hockey afterward.

But there’s a catch or two (of course there is).

First, you can't get paid more than actual expenses in the CHL. Second, if you've signed an NHL contract, you're still out. And yes, you still need those grades - the NCAA isn't budging on academic requirements.

For my European hockey families - this is your ticket to explore all of North America's hockey opportunities. No more choosing between CHL and NCAA. You get both.

The Big Picture:

You get CHL-level development, a guaranteed CHL scholarship, NCAA D1 options, and a world of education choices.

Both leagues are incredible options. It’s a long road, full of early mornings, late nights, and serious dedication to even get a shot. But thinking ahead and staying tuned into where the rules are going can help you make the smartest choice.

For Current CHL Players:

• If this passes, talk to your Club’s Education Advisors or League Education Director.

• Academic planning becomes crucial.

• Keep detailed records of any compensation.

• There’s a good chance that your team is already getting scouted by NCAA programs, so understanding your options is always the best move.

Our Advice:

If you've got a bantam or midget player right now:

1. Keep ALL options open.

2. Re-focus on academics (more important than ever).

3. Don't make any permanent decisions until this vote happens.

4. Talk to your advisors about how this could affect your specific situation.

Remember: This isn't final yet. But it's worth starting these conversations now.

The Mail Bag ✉️

David asked: “What are the key changes coming to NCAA hockey eligibility rules regarding CHL players, and how will this affect NHL draft rights?”

Two main points:

1. NCAA is voting November 7th (subject to change) on allowing CHL players to play NCAA hockey, with changes expected to take effect next academic year (pending subcommittee approvals). Some CHL players have already signed commitment letters with D1 programs in anticipation.

2. NHL draft rights remain unchanged - NHL teams retain rights to their drafted players regardless of whether they play in CHL or NCAA.

Heather asked: “Will NCAA eligibility changes affect CHL player agreements and NHL draft rights?”

Key points:

• Impact on CHL player agreements is still being determined.

• Players with pro contracts remain NCAA ineligible.

• NHL draft rights are unaffected.

Dan asked: “What happens to my existing CHL scholarship benefits with these NCAA changes?”

Financial considerations will be a major factor for players and families. You will want to understand how NCAA scholarships compare to the stipends and education packages offered by CHL teams. The NCAA's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, which allow student-athletes to earn money, will likely be of particular interest. More on that soon!

Players will want to know how these opportunities compare to their current situation in the CHL and how it might affect their long-term educational and professional prospects. While much of this remains yet to be decided, what we DO know is that the CHL Scholarships earned are guaranteed and thus can be applied to any public post-secondary institution of their choice, so they could complement the athletic scholarships offered by NCAA programs.

In short: The major change allows CHL players to potentially play NCAA, but won't affect pro contracts or NHL rights.

Alright, that's all we’ve got for this week! Hope you enjoyed it. I've got some exciting news coming down the pipeline and can't wait to bring you more valuable insights to help both players and families on this journey.

If you found this helpful, please give it a share— it means a lot to me!

Mike