CHL player makes history with first ever NCAA commitment
Photo credit: ESPN
Braxton Whitehead of the Regina Pats has made history by becoming the first player from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) to verbally commit to an NCAA Division I school.
This summer, a class action lawsuit was filed against the NCAA, claiming that its rules unfairly prevented CHL players from joining NCAA teams.
Whitehead, a 20-year-old center, has committed to Arizona State University for the 2025-2026 season. This is a groundbreaking move, as traditionally, players from the CHL (comprising the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL) were not eligible to play in the NCAA due to NCAA bylaws that restrict athletes who have played in professional leagues or received financial benefits.
The lawsuit's outcome could potentially alter how hockey players navigate between Canadian and U.S. leagues, but for now, Whitehead's commitment marks a significant change in the landscape of hockey eligibility.
| POLL | ||
14 SEPTEMBRE | 100 ANSWERS CHL player makes history with first ever NCAA commitment Should players who have participated in the CHL be able to play in the NCAA? | ||
| Yes | 78 | 78 % |
| No | 22 | 22 % |
| List of polls | ||
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