The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA)’s new rule—opening NCAA Division I men’s hockey to Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players—came into effect this month and the change is reportedly having a ripple effect across men’s hockey. At the university level, U Sports CEO Pierre Arsenault said that the percentage of recruits from the CHL has dropped from 44.4% last year to 16% after the eligibility change. On the other hand, recruitment from Junior A and the BCHL has increased as organizations respond to the new rules. “The redistribution of players is happening everywhere,” said Arsenault. Calgary Flames player Cole Reschny told CBC that he is in support of the NCAA’s change, which he says will result in more opportunities for young players.
