NCAA set to take action on legislation next week that could upend hockey's ecosystem

GRAND FORKS Hockey's ecosystem could be upended next week.

The NCAA Division-I Council is expected to take action on emergency legislation during its meetings Tuesday and Wednesday that could allow Canadian Hockey League players to retain their NCAA eligibility.

ADVERTISEMENT Currently, players who suit up in one of the CHL's three major junior leagues the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League are deemed ineligible for college hockey.

Those leagues have some players on NHL contracts, so for decades, NCAA Bylaw 12.2.3.2.4 has deemed CHL teams as "professional teams." But that could be changing as early as next week.

In August, a hockey player filed a class action lawsuit in the Western District of New York accusing the NCAA of violating antitrust laws by keeping CHL players ineligible.

The player, Rylan Masterson, played two preseason games for the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League.

In response, the NCAA will consider legislation that would bring men's hockey and skiing under the same rules as other sports, allowing amateur players to compete against professionals.

The byproduct would be allowing CHL players to retain college eligibility.

This change also could impact European players who, at times, have had difficulty gaining college eligibility because of leagues they've competed in.

ADVERTISEMENT Hockey commissioners briefed athletic directors and coaches Friday afternoon.

The commissioners are expected to have a conference call Monday ahead of the Division-I Council meeting to discuss the potential change.

At least two commissioners told coaches in their leagues Friday they expect the new legislation to pass.

If it passes, it will immediately make nearly 1,400 players eligible, including NHL first-round picks.

It also would alter development paths and balloon the number of Canadians playing college hockey.

The NHL will be forced to re-define its Collective Bargaining Agreement, which has separate parameters for CHL and NCAA players.

This is not a change most college hockey coaches asked for.

In April, they held an informal vote at the annual coaches convention in Naples, Fla., to poll how many programs are in favor of opening the CHL.

About two-thirds were against it.

They were aware of the possibility of a lawsuit changing the rule anyway and formed a committee to study and make recommendations on the issue.

"No matter how you feel about it, there's a likelihood of it changing anyway if it's challenged by someone," Hockey East commissioner Steve Metcalf told the Herald in May.

"We should be prepared for the Plan B scenario.

If things were trending that way, either by being dictated by the courts or something where there's going to be a change ...

I hate to use the term 'guard rails,' but what guard rails might we want to put in place to help us manage that?".

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