Kamloops Storm (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

NCAA DIV 1 HOCKEY

Kamloops Blazers and Storm see new NCAA eligibility rules as a positive for the players

Nov 8, 2024 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — A seismic shift in the landscape of junior hockey in North America is sending ripples through leagues around British Columbia. On Thursday (Nov. 7), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced changes to eligibility allowing hockey players who have played in major junior leagues in Canada, such as the WHL, to retain eligibility to play Division 1 hockey south of the border.

The decision for a young hockey player between playing major junior or Junior ‘A’ to retain NCAA eligibility has become easier, with the NCAA no longer considering CHL players as professionals.

“It takes out some of the guess work. You have to try to evaluate, you have to try and get the intel. Is this player an NCAA risk? That’s done — that’s mostly done, I think. If a player was concerned about signing a contract and playing in this league before, I think it takes out those concerns,” said Blazers head coach and GM Shaun Clouston.

Previously, after completing a WHL career, players could only go professional or play at the U-Sports level in Canada. Overall, Clouston sees it as a positive for the players, foremost.

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“I think what this will do is give those players something else to shoot for. I came to this league because it’s the best developmental league in the world. I sure hoped that I would have be drafted, I’m not drafted, I haven’t been signed yet but there are still lots of options. This is just another option for them at the end of their time with our league,” explained Clouston.

Junior ‘A’ hockey in B.C. has long been seen as a pipeline to Division 1 hockey. With players now able to play major junior, it could lead to changes within the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League landscape.

“We want to be competitive and we want to have fun with it as a league, but at the same time we do want to move players up the ladder and help them achieve their goals,” said Kamloops Storm owner and GM Matt Kolle. “If we miss out on a couple of older players, maybe because they are going to the Western Hockey League, we want to support them.”

The Storm are currently helping develop a Portland Winterhawks defender, a role that could increase with the new changes as Kolle looks to see the KI become a feeder system.

“Portland has entrusted us in preparing Aaron (Zulinick) for the Western Hockey League and the Portland Winterhawks. I talk weekly, maybe bi-weekly with the Kamloops Blazers about players who may need some more development. Maybe we are the perfect place,” said Kolle.

Clouston highlighted how the draft will still be the major source of talent for the WHL. As for the potential of losing players early to university hockey, the Blazers boss isn’t worried.

“I think the vast majority of players, when you look at NCAA, are getting older and older. The vast majority of players aren’t leaving until they are older. We are fairly confident in the development in this league. We still think it’s the best option,” said Clouston.

The new rules take effect on August 1, 2025.