Winners and Losers of the NCAA’s Decision to Allow CHL Hockey Players Into College Hockey

On November 7th, the NCAA made a huge announcement that shaped the world of college hockey. The NCAA Division I Council voted to make Canadian Hockey League players eligible for Division I hockey in 2025. The CHL comprises the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League. The decision, effective August 1st, 2025, lifts the NCAA’s longstanding ban on CHL players who were previously deemed to be professionals because they received a stipend of up to $600 per month for living expenses. A major factor that impacted this decision was when the association was sued by Rylan Masterson, a 19-year-old hockey player, who was barred from playing college hockey due to his playing in two exhibition games for the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires. This article will take a look into the winners and losers of this decision.

Winner: NCAA

It took the NCAA getting sued for them to finally allow CHL players to play college hockey. Luckily for the association, they’ll reap massive benefits by acquiring some of the top amateur hockey talent in the world. They’ll not only acquire the coveted 18-20-year-olds who should produce right away, but also the former CHL players who are too old to return to their respective league. The NCAA will accrue a lot more talent which will undoubtedly help their ratings. Two years ago, Quinnipiac’s overtime win in the NCAA Ice Hockey Final was the most viewed Frozen Four Championship game since 2011. The NCAA certainly hopes to add to that viewership number in 2026 when the first championship will be played under the new rule.

Loser: CHL Coaches

CHL coaches have their hands full by just trying to keep players away from teams within their own respective leagues. Much of their saving grace lies in territory requirements; each of the three CHL leagues is limited to signing players residing within specific regions, such as the QMJHL being restricted to the New England states in the United States and the OHL to the province of Ontario. With the players having more power than ever, it leaves coaches in a tough spot. The NCAA has its own transfer portal, but now this could lead to a transfer portal within the CHL. For example, before this rule change, an OHL coach would only have to compete with the other 19 OHL teams for rights over a player. However, that same coach has to compete with prestigious hockey programs at the University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, Cornell, Clarkson, and Notre Dame, assuming the hypothetical player stays within the states aligned with the OHL’s territory requirements.

Winner: The Players

More and more Canadians entering the ranks of American universities should create a great product on the ice. First, training camp should be more exciting than ever with more and more talent coming in from Canada. Americans who have been top players on their team will have to try extra hard to keep their spots. Yet, another wrinkle will be the rivalry between Americans and Canadians on other teams. It’s always exciting to see the USA face off against Canada in the World Junior Championships. There will be no love lost between Americans and Canadians in the rink which could provide a major boost in ratings and attendance for college hockey.

Loser: USHL

The United States Hockey League isn’t a major player in amateur hockey compared to their Canadian counterparts, but it’ll take a huge blow. This league provided a loophole for players who wanted to play in the NCAA and retain their eligibility. According to the USHL, 80% of their players are committed to playing NCAA Division I hockey. Sure, many of them will want to stay in the United States, but with the knowledge that they won’t be penalized for playing in the CHL, plenty of players will head to the Canadian leagues to hone their skills. Will this league still appeal to young hockey players as they prepare for their college careers? Of course. However, don’t expect the league to continue to represent half of the players in Division I hockey.