Saskatchewan hockey prospects are celebrating a recent change in NCAA eligibility rules that will allow them to pursue their dreams of playing college hockey without sacrificing their amateur status.
Previously, players who wanted to play in the NCAA had to choose between playing in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) or maintaining their amateur status. This meant that players who chose to play in the CHL were no longer eligible to play in the NCAA, which is a popular route for many young hockey players looking to advance their careers.
But now, the NCAA has changed its rules to allow players to receive education-based benefits without losing their amateur status. This means that players can now receive scholarships, stipends for living expenses, and other educational benefits while still being able to play in the NCAA.
For Saskatchewan hockey prospects, this change is a game-changer. Many players have had to make the difficult decision between playing in the CHL or pursuing a college education. With this new rule, they no longer have to choose between their education and their hockey dreams.
“It’s just way better,” says 17-year-old prospect, Ethan Ernst. “Now I can get an education and still play high-level hockey. It’s the best of both worlds.”
This change also opens up more opportunities for players who may not have been able to afford a college education without a scholarship. It also allows players to have a backup plan in case their hockey career doesn’t pan out.
The Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA) is also welcoming this change, as it will benefit their players and the sport as a whole. “We are thrilled with the NCAA’s decision to allow players to receive education-based benefits,” says SHA General Manager, Kelly McClintock. “This will not only benefit our players, but it will also help grow the sport of hockey in our province.”
The NCAA’s decision to change its eligibility rules is a win-win for both players and the sport of hockey. It allows young players to pursue their dreams while also receiving a valuable education. And for Saskatchewan hockey prospects, it means they no longer have to choose between the two.
