NIL & Canadian Players: It's Complicated

Welcome to All Access Hockey.

A WHL scout asked me a question about NIL last week, and a Vancouver dad asked about players switching to the CHL. Both questions reflect how much the hockey landscape is shifting right now.

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

• The real deal on NIL rules for Canadian players

• Why players are making the move to CHL

• What's actually allowed (and what isn't)

• The changes coming in 2024

Just the facts. No speculation. No bias.

Let's dive in!

NIL & Canadian Players

A WHL scout asked me the other day about NIL and how it affects Canadian kids considering the NCAA route.

First, let's break down what NIL actually means. NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness. Simply put, it allows college athletes to make money from their personal brand - everything from signing autographs to appearing in commercials to running summer camps.

This is a huge change in college athletics. Before 2021, college athletes couldn't make a dime from their popularity without losing their eligibility. Now, American players can - but here's where it gets complicated for Canadians.

Here's what we actually know right now:

Canadian college athletes are in a tricky spot when it comes to NIL. While their American teammates can sign autographs for money, run summer camps, or appear in local car dealership commercials, Canadian players face significant restrictions due to their visa status.

On American soil:

• Can't actively work NIL deals (F-1 student visas prohibit it)

• Can earn passive income (think jersey sales, video game appearances)

• No paid promotional work, social media campaigns, or personal appearances

• Can't run hockey camps or give paid lessons

Back home in Canada:

• Can sign deals with Canadian companies

• Can do promotional work during school breaks

• Some athletes are literally flying home to fulfill sponsorship obligations

• Can work camps or clinics while in Canada

Real example: UConn's Aaliyah Edwards from Kingston, Ontario recently signed with Adidas Canada - not Adidas U.S. That distinction matters because it's structured specifically to comply with visa restrictions.

Changes on the Horizon:

• Congress is looking at bipartisan legislation to adjust F-1 visa rules

• Universities are pushing for clearer guidelines from immigration officials

• More Canadian companies are exploring partnerships with college athletes

• Schools are developing compliance departments just for international NIL issues

The Gray Areas:

• Social media posts from Canada vs. U.S.

• Gaming streams and online content

• Appearances via video call

• Autograph sessions during home visits

Bottom Line:

There's still a lot to sort through. NIL rules are evolving almost weekly, and what's true today might change tomorrow. But for now, Canadian players heading to NCAA need to understand these limitations and plan accordingly.

The good news? Solutions are being worked on at the highest levels. The bad news? For current Canadian college athletes, the playing field isn't level - yet.

The Mail Bag ✉️

Jack asked: “Been seeing all these news stories about players leaving Jr. A for the CHL after the NCAA rule change. My son's 15 and playing AAA. We always thought BCHL was the path, but now I'm wondering - what's actually drawing these kids to the CHL? Is it just about keeping NCAA options open or is there more to it?”

Look, the BCHL is an excellent league. It's produced countless NHL players and offers great development. Every player's path is different, and what works for one might not work for another.

That said, the CHL is the highest level of junior hockey in the world. Here's why players like Enzo Lottin might make the switch:

The CHL Experience:

• Pro Schedule: 68-game season

• Elite Competition: Playing against top prospects nightly

• Full Development Focus: Pro facilities, dedicated staff

• Game Speed: Consistently facing the best in your age group

• NHL Exposure: You'd be hard-pressed to find a CHL game without a handful of NHL scouts in attendance

The simple truth? Playing at the highest possible level where you can still get meaningful ice time is usually where you'll develop the most. For some players, that's the CHL. For others, it might be Jr. A.

And now, with NCAA eligibility preserved, players don't have to choose between major junior hockey and college education. They can potentially do both.

The key is finding the right fit for your player's development at the right time.

A quick favor: If you found this helpful, please share it with other hockey families. Every share helps us reach more parents and players who might be trying to figure this all out too.

The bigger our community grows, the more insights and resources I can bring you each week. Plus, let's be honest - hockey families need to stick together through all these changes.

See you next week!

And hey - if you've got questions, keep them coming. Real questions from real hockey families drive this newsletter.