Islanders Welcome University of Maine Commit Jude Herron
The Charlottetown Islanders are thrilled to announce the signing of Jude Herron, a promising 16-year-old prospect from Fort Kent, Maine, and a significant addition to the roster.
Herron, a University of Maine commit, is set to join the Black Bears for the 2026-27 season but has chosen to develop his game with the Islanders in the meantime. This decision comes in the wake of the recent NCAA rule change allowing QMJHL players to maintain their NCAA eligibility, a landmark adjustment that opens up new paths for players balancing academic and athletic goals.
Herron, who has been honing his skills with South Kent in Connecticut, is eager to take his development to the next level with the Islanders. He spent the past offseason in Charlottetown, training and acclimating to the community.
Islanders’ Head Coach and General Manager Jim Hulton shared his excitement about the signing:
“We’re very happy to have Jude. He had a really good training camp, and we had long discussions about him staying, but he wanted to safeguard his eligibility. In light of the new NCAA regulations that came down last week, we decided to revisit. We’re really happy to get him into our fold.”
With Herron becoming the first signing under the new NCAA eligibility rule, Islanders fans can expect to see more American-born talent joining the team in the future. The change, which goes into effect starting in the 2025-26 season, marks a significant shift in college hockey, allowing players to compete in the QMJHL without forfeiting NCAA prospects. Previously, any involvement with a QMJHL team, even in preseason, barred players from the NCAA system.
The QMJHL echoed the excitement over this development:
“We are delighted that after completing their careers in the QMJHL, players will have additional options to pursue their athletic and academic goals. We are also very much looking forward to welcoming a whole new wave of talented players, who, under the old rules, avoided our league to preserve their NCAA eligibility. The QMJHL will continue to do everything in its power to contribute to the development, guidance, and success of our players, both on the ice and at school,” stated the Commissioner.
Jude Herron’s signing marks a new era for the Islanders, and fans can look forward to seeing this talented young American making his mark in Charlottetown.
