A major rule has been change that is going to impact the Boston Bruins and their prospects

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Austin Sabourin
November 7, 2024 (11:44 PM)

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The NCAA has made a massive move that will change junior hockey forever. As they will allow CHL players to be able to play Division I hockey as soon as next season.

This change will result in CHL players being able to begin their careers in North American much sooner then they normally could. NCAA will also allow CHL players to retain their college eligibility. Previously CHL, WHL, OHL, and QMHL players were not able to join the NCAA, but now that will change.

The council ruled players can compete in the CHL -- comprised of the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League -- without jeopardizing their NCAA Division I hockey eligibility, provided they aren't "paid more than actual and necessary expenses as part of that participation."

The effective date of the rule change is Aug. 1, 2025. The new eligibility for CHL players does not apply to NCAA Division III; CHL players are still ineligible for NCAA Division III hockey.

Craig Button the Director of Scouting for TSN believes that this change will give CHL players more opportunities to figure out where they want to go with their career.

The NCAA had previously deemed anyone who played in the CHL ineligible because there are players who have signed professional contracts with NHL teams playing in those leagues. CHL players are also paid a monthly stipend that's capped at $250.

NCAA Bylaw 12.2.3.2 states that "an individual shall not be eligible for intercollegiate athletics in a sport if the individual ever competed on a professional team."

Despite the rule change, players who sign NHL contracts and return to the CHL are still not eligible to play NCAA Division I hockey. Players can however participate in NHL training camps provided those teams don't compensate the player beyond "beyond actual and necessary expenses."

Ryan Masteron filed a class action lawsuit against the NCAA which was one of the reasons they have come to this rule change.

There are still some bumps along the way that are going to have to be figured out, and many CHL alumni are hesitant that this new change will be good as it is going to complicate things in the NCAA, but most people are seeing this as a win for right now.

Beginning August 1st 2025 is when this new rule is set to implement and change the careers of players in the CHL.

Do you think this is a good change for the NCAA/CHL?