The Changing Landscape
The impact of Major Junior Hockey players being eligible for college hockey.
The addition of once ineligible Canadian players into the pool of available American college programs at all levels sent shockwaves through the college hockey community. The process was abrupt, and it even affected the National Letter of Intent (signing day). Student-Athletes who had made verbal commitments to certain colleges and universities were put on hold. Head coaches and their recruiting staƯ wanted to continue to evaluate the “new” players they now had access to.
What have the college coaches at all levels of American College hockey realized with the potential influx of Canadian players?
Many thought that significant numbers of American college roster spots would be taken up by these “new” Canadian players immediately. What people hadn’t considered was whether these Canadian players had maintained their academic standing while playing at this level. They entered these Canadian leagues with the assumption that access to American colleges would not be available. For many Canadian players hockey was their primary focus, and their schooling became less of a priority. This year this change in policy is not likely to affect the landscape extensively.
Future repercussions of the new eligibility policy
Next year the landscape will change considerably. Student-athletes from Canada will be playing major junior hockey knowing they have access to US colleges and universities. They will maintain their academic standing or (catch up to the American guidelines) with the option of going to American universities in mind.
US hockey players as well as those from other parts of the world will opt for Major Junior hockey while still maintaining their option to attend US colleges and universities.
The USHL will lose talent and concede its place as the preeminent junior hockey league in North America.
Some USHL franchises will opt to move to the OHL.
What does this mean for your student-athlete?
There is more uncertainty.
The rosters will be filled later.
Each year roster spots will be harder to come by due to the trickle-down effect.
Former Division 1 hockey candidates will be playing at a high-level Division 3.
All levels of US college hockey will improve. Club Hockey:
Club Hockey teams are a wonderful alternative.
Many Club hockey teams are superior to Division 3 teams.
There are some great Club programs at great universities.
How I can help (with an eye toward academics):
I have worked helping student-athletes find their way to all levels of college hockey with an eye toward academics.
We will be proactive in our approach.
We will have backup plans given the delay in roster selections. We will let the recruiting process play out, but you will NOT be left without opportunities – Let’s start the process.
Girls in junior and senior year this process is especially important. Senior Boys – We need to get out in front of the process. You will be applying in the early fall … only months away. Junior Boys – best to start right after the season.
Contact Dr. Stahura for guidance if you want help with Academic Consulting/Placement Services. This is a thoughtful customized plan which yields the best results for you. I have had great success working with Hawkeye Hockey players (young men and women) finding a fit at the next level. I only work with a select number of student-athletes to ensure maximum attention and service.
It is not just about the next 4 years, it is about the next 40 years
Kurt A. Stahura, PhD
Managing Partner & Lead Consultant
College Copilots
kstahura@collegecopilots.com
Mobile: 716.343.0851