For players and teams of the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League, the change of rule allowing Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to be eligible to play National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division 1 hockey starting next season is worth celebrating.

“While we will take the time to fully review this rule change, we believe it is a positive development that will provide our players with more opportunities to continue their hockey careers and academic careers after their transition to the CHL,” we read in a press release. CHL statement.

“It will also give young players and their families more options in choosing their development path, which includes the opening of the CHL – the world’s best developmental hockey league for players aged 16 to 20 years – to more players around the world. »

Before the rule change, a player was not eligible to play for NCAA teams because they were considered professionals. Even if he only played a few seconds in an exhibition game, a player wouldn’t be able to play later south of the border at one of the higher-ranked schools.

The rule meant that young athletes, including Halifax Mooseheads defender Brady Schultz, is expected to make an important decision at the age of 15 or 16.

“I grew up in New England, it’s the NCAA,” Schultz said. “It really feels like the end of everything, so it was hard to come here.”

Schultz does not regret his decision to come to Halifax. He believes more players will make the jump to the CHL now that they no longer have to choose one over the other and says he plans to look at the potential of playing south of the border next season.

Mooseheads goaltender Jack Milner says the rule change provides more than just more playing options for young athletes.

“The living side is also huge,” says Milner. “The opportunity to live abroad, to discover a different culture south of the border, it’s pretty incredible. Being able to do this while playing sports is an incredible opportunity for anyone.

It’s a victory, winning

Mooseheads general manager Cam Russell expects the skill level in the CHL to see a big increase now that players no longer have to choose between the two leagues.

He adds that it will make his job easier when it comes to drafting and recruiting, knowing that players can come to training camp and play exhibition games without worrying about not being able to play in the NCAA.

“The nice thing is now you can bring players in and they can spend a week or two in training camp, evaluate them and make a decision on them,” Russell said. “I think it’s a win, a win for everyone.”

This feeling is echoed by Moncton Wildcats general manager Taylor MacDougall.

He says he’s excited about the league and his own organization, which is arguably the best team in the CHL. MacDougall cites former U.S.-born star players who played for the Wildcats, such as retired NHLer Keith Yandle and Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland. He believes the team’s reputation will attract more Americans to come play in Moncton.

“It just means a lot more talented players will come to Moncton,” says MacDougall. “I think our league and our organization have a long history of supporting players in their post-secondary education. We are therefore eager to continue on this path with a potentially broader class of players.

As for how the transfer of players from one league to another will work, the Wildcats general manager doesn’t expect any problems.

“The average age of a freshman and in the NCAA, I think it’s around 20 or 21,” MacDougall said. “We’ll just take it as a good place to play and develop and go from there.”

U SPORTS

While the news may be positive for QMJHL players and teams, it could cause problems for Canadian university programs. Before the rule change, many CHL players continued their hockey careers according to Canadian intuitions.

“This is where the situation will be hit and felt the hardest,” says Craig EaglesQMJHL hockey scout and analyst. “U SPORTSthe brand of hockey is exceptional and remains, believe it or not, a hidden gem of hockey and the game. I think it’s really going to take a hit.

Milner believes the opposite will happen, with more places now available to players who wouldn’t have had the opportunity before.

“The CHL has always been a great feeder league for U SPORTS,” he said. “It’s a good league, so the combination of the two is definitely exciting.”

In a statement sent to CTV Atlantic, U SPORTS says the sport’s national governing body strives to remain a “destination of choice for future student-athletes.”

“U SPORTS respects the NCAA’s initiative to provide student-athletes with academic and athletic opportunities,” read a statement sent to CTV Atlantic.

“U SPORTS is proud of our strong working relationship with the CHL and its member clubs and we are confident that our U SPORTS programs continue to deliver superior student-athlete experiences.