The Western Hockey League (WHL) and U Sports, the national governing body for university sports in Canada, are among the leagues facing challenges due to a recent NCAA rule adjustment before the 2025-26 season.
In November 2024, the NCAA Division 1 Council revised the eligibility criteria for Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players, allowing them to participate in NCAA Division 1 men’s hockey. The CHL oversees the Western Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League, and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
This change became effective on August 1, 2025. Pierre Arsenault, the CEO of U Sports, expressed concerns about the disruption to the traditional player movement patterns. Previously, players had to decide between the CHL and the NCAA at a young age.
Now, CHL players can join the American collegiate system once they meet specific NCAA requirements, such as completing high school. Arsenault highlighted the broader impact of this change on the North American hockey system.
The Victoria Royals of the WHL are directly feeling the effects of this transition. Notably, according to Sportsnet’s CHL to NCAA tracker, six players from the Royals roster will be playing collegiate hockey in the U.S. this fall. This includes players like Cole Reschny and Keaton Verhoeff, who chose to join the University of North Dakota (UND) Fighting Hawks.
Reschny, drafted 18th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2025 NHL draft, supports the new rule, providing more opportunities for CHL players to pursue NCAA hockey. Verhoeff, a highly anticipated pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, opted for the NCAA to face older opponents than in the WHL.
The departure of players like Reschny and Verhoeff has posed challenges for the Victoria Royals’ general manager, Jake Heisinger. Heisinger is adapting to the evolving landscape brought about by the NCAA eligibility changes and is considering new recruitment strategies.
Furthermore, the BCHL, historically a pathway for players eyeing NCAA opportunities, is reassessing its role following the NCAA rule modifications. BCHL commissioner Steven Cocker emphasized the league’s commitment to academics and its success in preparing student-athletes for higher education.
As a result of these changes, Canadian universities are observing shifts in the sources of their men’s hockey recruits. U Sports notes a decline in CHL player recruitment for the 2025-26 season and a rise in players from Canadian Junior A and BCHL leagues.
The redistribution of players within the hockey landscape is prompting a redefinition of player profiles and recruitment trends, according to U Sports.