A college hockey rule imposed on Western Hockey League (WHL) players has been removed.

According to the WHL, players will be eligible to compete in NCAA D1 hockey starting next season. The Canadian league believes this will create more opportunities for North American players to choose where they will develop before going to college without fear of jeopardizing their eligibility.

The rule was believed to be in effect for several reasons, including the draft process and a small allowance that WHL players receive each month.

“It’s been brewing for a while. I don’t think this is an absolute surprise to anyone,” said WHL Commissioner Dan Near.

“Even though it’s significant, it’s substantial. It’s monumental. For many, many years, we were in a situation where 15-year-olds were asked to make an important decision in their lives.

David Rutherford was one of these children. The recently retired professional hockey player was faced with the task of deciding whether to stay in the British Columbia Hockey League and preserve his college career or join the WHL.

The Ladner, British Columbia native eventually joined the Vancouver Giants of the WHL.

“I got lucky and won two WHL championships. Things probably couldn’t have gone better. I finished at 20 with a commemorative cup, and I still remember wishing I had gone to the NCAA,” Rutherford said.

Rutherford went on to play professional hockey in the United States and Europe, winning several more championships along the way. He now helps develop talent in the Lower Mainland through his business, DJR Hockey, and works with the White Rock Whalers of the Pacific Junior Hockey League.

He expects that once the rule changes take effect next summer, there will be a spinoff benefit to leagues like the PJHL.

The future of the BCHL

The BCHL has always been a stepping stone for Canadian and American hockey players before committing to NCAA schools.

Now they will have to compete against WHL players for the first time.

BCHL President Rich Murphy, who also owns the Trail Smoke Eaters, spoke with CTV News on Friday and said the league has been preparing for this day for several years since becoming independent from the League Canadian hockey team.

“We’ve been doing this for 63 years. We’ve built relationships with the NCAA, but not the CHL, Murphy said.

“We have a very good model.”

Murphy went on to explain that 25 percent of athletes who play college hockey are BCHL alumni and that he is confident the league will persevere despite the eligibility changes.

The BCHL said in a statement that it is committed to doing what is best for its athletes and will continue to adapt to the changing landscape of junior hockey.

Brian Wiebe owns and operates the BCHL Network and has been closely following developments.

He believes the BCHL is in no danger of disappearing and should instead be seen as a competitor to the WHL.

“The BCHL will still potentially have an advantage. The schedule is less; the Western Hockey League has more of a professional schedule, while the BCHL schedule reflects more of a college schedule,” Wiebe said.

Wiebe also says players have options as to where they want to play in the BCHL, as the league doesn’t have a draft and can stay close to home.