NCAA grants eligibility to CHL players starting next season [Video]

LETHBRIDGE –

CHL players will soon have more flexibility.

The NCAA has deemed CHL players eligible beginning in the 2025-26 season.

CHL players were previously not able to play in the NCAA because players were deemed to be professionals because of the monthly stipends they receive.

“It’s going to completely change the landscape of hockey and especially pathways that players take there for college hockey teams,” said Brad Schlossman, a college hockey reporter for the Grand Forks Herald.

“There are over a thousand players that previously were ineligible for college that are going to be able to come to college now.”

The move is believed to provide a benefit for CHL teams to attract players.

The relaxed regulations could help attract more American and international players and convince more Canadians to play in the member leagues including the WHL.

“I think that there’s been a cohort of players that have said, ‘My dream is to do X,’ or ‘My …