Historically, CHL players were deemed ineligible for NCAA play due to the league’s classification as professional, primarily because players received stipends and some signed NHL contracts. However, in November 2024, the NCAA Division I Council voted to allow CHL players to participate in NCAA Division I hockey, effective August 1, 2025, provided they were not compensated beyond actual and necessary expenses.
This landmark decision has dramatically changed both the NCAA, Junior, and Youth Hockey landscape. As of June 2025, a growing number of Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players have committed to NCAA Division I hockey programs. Here is the full list published as of this date- CHL to NCAA Tracker: OHL, WHL, QMJHL players going to U.S. college ranks – Sportsnet.ca
A total of 159 players according to sportsnet.ca list have committed to NCAA Schools. These include all the leagues in the CHL (WHL, OHL, QMJHL) and all commitment years (list includes 2024-25 & 2026-27).
Compare these numbers to top US Jr hockey leagues:
USHL- NCAA Commitments – USHL
NAHL- College Commitments | North American Hockey League | NAHL
NCDC- College Commitments • NCDC • USPHL – United States Premier Hockey League
Early numbers show a regression (slight in some cases but still actual) in total commitment numbers in all leagues, with the NCDC most effected. 3 years ago the NCDC website ONLY posted NCAA Division 1 advancements. Now, their current season commitments (not alumni) are almost solely NCAA Division II and Division III.
This is an ongoing story that all leagues, players, parents, coaches and operators will be paying close attention to. Stay tuned.
By Andrew Trimble
To purchase Andrew’s new book, The Hockey Planner, follow this link here- The Hockey Planner: A Year by Year Plan to Assist You on Your Hockey Coaching Journey: From Learn to Play to Junior Hockey: Trimble, Andrew: 9781963743388: Amazon.com: Books
