NCAA prepares to vote on eligibility for CHL players: Report

The NCAA is reportedly getting ready to vote on legislation that would remove barriers for Canadian Major Junior players to suit up for American college teams. NHL player agent and attorney Allan Walsh posted the news on X, stating that this decision could have major implications for CHL and NCAA players, along with the NHL.

Under the current legislation, any player who has suited up for a Canadian Major Junior team cannot play in the U.S. This prohibition stems from current collegiate regulations, making players, regardless of nationality, ineligible to play for an American collegiate team if they have taken part in the CHL.

According to USCHO, the NCAA Division I committee is set to meet next Tuesday and Wednesday. During the meeting, it is expected that members will vote on a resolution to remove the barriers keeping players from suiting up for American-based junior teams.

As Walsh pointed out, the proposed change could have significant implications for both American and Canadian junior leagues. In short, players could transfer between leagues without any restrictions. Moreover, players could switch leagues to suit their development needs.

If the proposed changes are approved, Canadian Major Junior players would be immediately eligible to take part in American collegiate teams and games. The change promises to boost competitiveness and player development on both sides.

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Current NCAA regulations violate U.S. Antitrust regulations

The USCHO highlighted that the proposed changes to NCAA regulations are the result of a lawsuit brought forth by Canadian player Rylan Masterson.

Masterson’s attorneys claimed that the NCAA’s refusal to allow Masterson to play collegiate hockey is a violation of U.S. Antitrust regulations as it creates an unfair advantage by “limiting competition and depressing the labor market for players.”

The basis for Masterson’s lawsuit lies in the denial of several schools, among them Quinnipiac, Notre Dame, and Boston College, to recruit him as he had appeared in two exhibition games with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL.

According to the lawsuit, the current regulations prohibit players who have appeared in OHL and CHL games to be recruited by American collegiate teams.

The suit filed in the U.S. District Court of Western New York could award financial damages to Masterson, in addition to ending the regulations. It appears that the defendants, in this case the American collegiate governing body, could settle the case out of court, while ending restrictions.

It remains to be seen if and when current regulations are repealed. If so, the overall implications could lead to a more competitive environment in which players, teams, and the pro leagues could benefit from improved player development, recruiting, and scouting.