US EditionMyers: Big Money Signings the Latest Twist in College Hockey’s New World
CANADA, JUL 14 – The NCAA lifted a decades-old ban in Nov 2024 allowing Canadian Hockey League players to join U.S. colleges, enabling top prospect Gavin McKenna to pursue hockey and academics at Penn State.
- Yukoner prospect Gavin McKenna revealed he committed to Penn State during a June 8 appearance on ESPN’s SportsCentre, opting out of the CHL pathway.
- In November 2024, the NCAA lifted a decades-old ban, enabling Canadian Hockey League players to compete at U.S. colleges, opening new opportunities for prospects like Gavin McKenna.
- His junior dominance was highlighted when McKenna swept nearly every major WHL honour and earned the CHL’s top player award, while ESPN reported he received a six-figure offer.
- Penn State recently landed Jackson Smith, their first-ever first-round NHL draft pick, underscores program elevation.
- The shift suggests long-term opportunities for junior athletes, as the rule change opened new doors to NCAA programs. This reshapes recruitment models and benefits prospects balancing academics and hockey.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Myers: Big money signings the latest twist in college hockey’s new world
At the 2023 NCAA Frozen Four in Tampa, Fla., Gophers coach Bob Motzko took questions before the tournament with future NHLers like Logan Cooley, Ryan Johnson and Jimmy Snuggerud flanking him. On that day, just over two years ago, Motzko was asked about how name, image and likeness money was affecting other college sports and how it might affect NCAA hockey in the future. “Hockey is behind a little bit in the conversation,” Motzko said, perhaps i…
After Gavin McKenna chose the NCAA over the WHL how worried should the CHL be going forward?
Bryan Hayes and Jonas Siegel are joined by OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford and they discuss when NIL deals in the NCAA will hurt the future of the CHL and Crawford explains why the CHL future is in good hands and things are being blown out of proportion.
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