Some Canadian Hockey League (CHL) teams have begun contacting NCAA Division I programs to explore potential player movement, a advancement signaling evolving dynamics between the two developmental pathways for aspiring professional hockey players. The outreach, confirmed by multiple sources, comes as the NCAA prepares for rule changes impacting roster sizes and scholarship availability.
This shift is particularly relevant for CHL players seeking an NCAA education and hockey career, as well as for NCAA programs looking to bolster their rosters with experienced talent. The conversations indicate a growing willingness among CHL organizations to facilitate players’ transitions to the NCAA system, possibly reshaping the landscape of junior and collegiate hockey recruitment. Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald reported on the emerging trend.
According to Schlossman, the discussions center on players who may not fit immediate NHL projections but possess the academic qualifications and desire to pursue a college education. The NCAA is set to reduce roster sizes, creating increased competition for spots, while adjustments to scholarship rules coudl influence player decisions.
Schlossman, who has covered college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald sence 2005, noted the potential impact on North Dakota and other NCAA programs with strong recruiting ties to Canada. He can be reached at bschlossman@gfherald.com.
