NCAA Eligibility Rule Change
For Immediate Release
Thursday November 7th, 2024
Open Letter – NCAA Eligibility Rule Change
Today is a big day for hockey and the young players that make our great game so special.
On behalf of the Ontario Hockey League, I’m excited to share the collective enthusiasm expressed league-wide following the NCAA Division I Council’s vote affirming the eligibility of Canadian Hockey League players for NCAA hockey programs effective August 1, 2025.
This is a landmark decision that gives OHL players additional avenues and opportunities to pursue their hockey, academic and life goals upon graduation from our league. It also opens the OHL’s doors to talented young student athletes with NCAA aspirations, providing them the opportunity to take their game to the next level in the number one development league in the world.
The OHL will continue to maintain a high standard as the leading supplier of talent to the National Hockey League while emphasizing the same blend of on-ice excellence with an off-ice commitment to character development and academics that has made the League what it is today.
Through this transition, the League will continue to honour its commitments through the OHL Scholarship and Development Program to players as they play out their years of eligibility, setting 20 and 21-year-old graduates up for success as they embark on new challenges both on the ice and in the classroom.
The Ontario Hockey League has produced world class talent for decades, and this latest development signals a new chapter in the story of the greatest junior hockey league in the world.
It’s a pleasure to be part of the OHL community and I share our collective excitement for what the future holds!
Yours in hockey,
Bryan Crawford
Commissioner, Ontario Hockey League
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OHL FAQ Document – NCAA Eligibility Changes:
1. What NCAA eligibility change has taken place?
After more than 40 years, Canadian Hockey League players have been deemed eligible for NCAA hockey programs following a decision ratified November 7, 2024 by the NCAA’s Division 1 Council.
The language that outlines the specific NCAA eligibility change that goes into effect on August 1, 2025, can be found here (link to announcement).
2. Is an OHL player able to utilize their scholarship at an NCAA school?
Yes, up to the amount of scholarship funds available as outlined in the player’s Scholarship and Development Agreement. This amount is determined by the posted costs of tuition, books and fees for a general program at the University closest to the student athlete’s home residence at the time of signing. Student athletes can use their scholarship at any post-secondary institution of their choice, even if they receive financial support from other sources.
3. What if I choose to leave the OHL before meeting the terms of my Standard Player Agreement?
If a player were to leave the OHL to play NCAA hockey prior to completion of the terms of their OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement (through the end of their 19-year-old season), the player would no longer be eligible for the OHL Scholarship.
If a player were to go to the NCAA to play hockey following the completion of the terms of their OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement (following their 19-year-old season), the player would be entitled to their OHL Scholarship benefits on the same basis as a player attending any other academic institution and could apply their earned scholarship to school costs in accordance with the terms of their OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement and NCAA regulations.
4. Are NCAA opportunities for every player?
The OHL is the number one developmental destination for young players, however this new opportunity will open doors for OHL players to continue their hockey development journey upon completing their eligibility in the League.
It is important that student athletes understand that there are certain academic requirements and eligibility rules that they must meet in order to qualify for enrolment at an NCAA institution. Players should take the necessary steps to understand these requirements in order to evaluate potential opportunities.
5. How will player transfers to the OHL be handled?
Players currently playing in other leagues wishing to join the OHL will be governed by the transfer rules of that league or governing body.
Transfers from a Hockey Canada governed junior league will be handled in accordance with the current rules in place.
For transfers from non-sanctioned leagues (such as the BCHL), players are to utilize the reinstatement process pursuant to Hockey Canada’s non-sanctioned league policy. Link to Complete Policy | Link to Application Form
Transfers of players participating in leagues sanctioned by USA Hockey (such as the USHL) will be handled in accordance with the USA Hockey/Hockey Canada/CHL Agreement.
Players included on an OHL member team protected list shall only sign with that team should they wish to play in the OHL.
Players of eligible age not included on an OHL member team protected list may sign with any OHL team in accordance with the release transfer process governing their jurisdiction.
