College hockey eligibility changes benefit Leaminton player [Video]

A recent ruling by the NCAA allowing major junior hockey players to maintain college eligibility is starting to change the hockey landscape.

Justin Solcz, general manager of the Leamington Flyers, said it has helped lead to the success of their top scoring forward.

“It’s uncharted territory,” said Solcz.

Colton Smith is the first player in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, with major junior hockey experience, to commit to play Division 1 hockey in the NCAA.

“There’s a lot of good guys that helped me along the way here and the biggest thing for me obviously was being able to succeed here,” Smith told CTV News during his return from the Oakville, where the OJHL’s team beat all-stars from the Central Canada Hockey League to win the Battle of Ontario trophy.

In years past, this would not have been possible. A player had to decide, if they wanted to play NCAA hockey they’d have to stay …