Who Are the Players?
According to a recent report by The Bemidji Pioneer (August 26, 2025), Bemidji State has added three former professional players to its men’s hockey roster for the 2025–26 season, all of whom were cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center to compete. Bemidji Pioneer
The Players in Question:
- Connor McClennon – After completing his time with the Winnipeg Ice (WHL), he played 7 games in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves and 2 games in the ECHL with the Norfolk Admirals.Bemidji Pioneer
- Hudson Thornton – Following his final WHL season with the Prince George Cougars, he logged 49 ECHL games split between the South Carolina Stingrays and Orlando Solar Bears, as well as 1 AHL appearance with the Hershey Bears.Bemidji Pioneer
- Oliver Peer– Three seasons in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires. 1 Game in the ECHL with the Fort Wayne Comets in 2023-24. Played USports last season with the University of New Brunswick. Oliver Peer – Stats, Contract, Salary & More
BSU’s head coach Tom Serratore confirmed both submitted documentation through the NCAA Eligibility Center and were granted clearance to join the NCAA despite their brief professional stints.Bemidji Pioneer
How Is This Allowed Under NCAA Rules?
The key factor here is that both players signed professional contracts—not amateur tryouts—and yet retained eligibility after going through the formal NCAA clearance process. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Case-by-Case Clearance
The NCAA Eligibility Center evaluates each athlete’s academic and amateurism history individually. That includes reviewing contracts, compensation, and whether they have re-qualified as amateurs under evolving NCAA interpretations.Bemidji Pioneer
2. Recent Shift in NCAA Amateurism Enforcement
NCAA standards are shifting. Bemidji State staff noted that once athletes in other sports—even those with professional experience—began gaining NCAA eligibility again, schools started exploring doing the same in hockey. The precedent includes cases like an SEC basketball player cleared after playing professionally overseas.Bemidji Pioneer
3. New Amateurism Norms Apply Even to Pro Contracts
Both McClennon and Thornton signed standard professional agreements (not just amateur tryouts), yet were approved. This suggests the NCAA is being more flexible, provided all documentation is thorough and correct.Bemidji Pioneer
4. Eligibility Resides With the Process, Not the Labels
Historical NCAA stance: A player who signs a pro contract loses eligibility. But now, if the Eligibility Center determines they meet reinstatement criteria—possibly including academic standing, time elapsed, or other considerations—eligibility can be restored. This flexibility appears to be applying more broadly now.Bemidji Pioneer
In Summary
| Player | Pro Experience | Eligibility Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Connor McClennon | AHL (7 games), ECHL (2 games) | Cleared to play; 2 years remaining |
| Hudson Thornton | ECHL (49 games), AHL (1 game) | Cleared to play |
| Oliver Peer | ECHL (1 Game) | Cleared to Play |
This story as well as the changing landscape of NCAA eligibility continues to evolve. Strict player compensation rules are no longer in place to deny players the opportunity to advance to College Hockey, and NCAA teams are finding ways to acquire players that previously had no chance at playing NCAA hockey. Where does it end? Are retired NHLers next?
By Andrew Trimble
