Regina Pats’ forward Braxton Whitehead has become the first major junior hockey player to verbally commit to playing in the Division 1 NCAA ranks after his Western Hockey League career ends.
Whitehead announced on X that he has received verbal commitment from Arizona State beginning in the 2025-26 season.
Currently any player who suits up in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) is ineligible to play NCAA once their junior career is over.
The three leagues make up the Candian Hockey League (CHL).
In the United States major junior hockey is considered professional because there are many players who have signed with NHL teams participating in games. Players are also under contract that pays them a small sum of money.
This has barred players from playing in the college ranks for years following careers in North American major junior leagues.
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