NCAA DIII Hockey Programs Move to Accept Former CHL Players Starting in 2026

by Admin December 22, 20250

In what will be a landmark shift across collegiate Hockey, NCAA Division III programs will be announcing they will begin welcoming former Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to their rosters starting with the 2026–27 season. The move represents a significant evolution in Division III Hockey and expands academic and athletic opportunities for elite junior players seeking a college pathway.

What’s Changing

For decades, NCAA policy effectively barred players with CHL experience — including those from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) — from NCAA competition, classifying CHL participation as professional involvement.

That barrier began to shift in October 2024, when the NCAA Division I Council approved legislation allowing former CHL players to compete in Division I Hockey beginning with the 2025–26 season, provided they did not receive compensation beyond actual and necessary expenses.

ACHA programs also quietly began accepting CHL players in the 2025 – 2026 season. This rule change was implemented, and no one discussed it this year. ACHA NEWS

However, these rulings did not extend to Division III programs under existing NCAA legislation, leaving DIII schools formally excluded from the change.

Division III Steps In

This week, a coalition of Division III athletic directors and hockey coaches — representing conferences including the NESCAC, SUNY, MIAC, WIAC, and UCHC — began discussing a coordinated decision to allow former CHL players to compete at the Division III level starting in the fall of 2026.

Under the new approach, participating institutions may roster former CHL players who meet NCAA academic eligibility requirements and have not signed professional contracts, aligning closely with the Division I eligibility framework. While not yet codified as an NCAA national rule, the decision reflects an institution-driven consensus across several conferences.

“We’ve heard clearly from student-athletes and families that academic goals and high-level Hockey should not be mutually exclusive,” said one Division III head coach. “This creates a pathway for players whose development route previously closed the door on college Hockey.”

It’s important to note that the NCAA Division I decision in 2024 was made under the cloud of a class action lawsuit filed by former CHL players. TJHN wrote earlier this year that multiple players with CHL experience were considering similar litigation against Division III. This change, when implemented, is likely a response to that threat and a desire by coaches to have access to more players, and by universities to have access to more tuition dollars.

Why It Matters

The NCAA’s Division I rule change has already reshaped the college Hockey landscape, with former CHL players joining Division I rosters for the 2025–26 season and elevating the overall level of play.

Division III leaders argue that extending similar access at their level aligns with the division’s academic mission and recognizes the evolving realities of Player development.

“This isn’t about chasing Division I talent,” said a Division III athletic director. “It’s about inclusion and opportunity. If a Player’s goal is education and continued competition, their junior background should not automatically disqualify them.”

Potential Impact

Supporters believe the move could have several effects across Division III Hockey:

• Increased competitiveness and depth of play across conferences

• Expanded college options for CHL-trained players seeking education

• Greater recruiting flexibility for DIII programs

Some coaches have cautioned that competitive balance will need to be monitored, particularly if a small number of programs disproportionately attract experienced CHL players. Conference officials say roster management and academic standards will remain central to implementation.

Looking Ahead

While the NCAA has not yet formally amended Division III eligibility legislation to mirror Division I, the 2026–27 season may serve as a proving ground for broader reform. Division III leaders hope their proactive approach will influence future NCAA governance discussions.

This rule change likely affects American players who have played some CHL games, are not at the Division I level, and can attend a university and receive “in-state” tuition.

If widely adopted, the decision would mark a historic shift, effectively ending the long-standing divide between Canadian major junior Hockey and NCAA Division III college Hockey.

What Does This Mean For Tier 2 Junior Players

For players in the NAHL, NCDC, and Canadian Junior A, this means fewer opportunities at the D3 level and will force more players to consider European College Hockey and leagues like https://euchl.com. European college Hockey is already on par with D3 and is part of the development model for European professional Hockey. Or players will be forced to pursue the ACHA route, which already allows CHL players.

What Does This Mean For Tier 3 Players

A sharp drop in Tier 3 players making Division III is expected going forward, and only top performers will qualify for European college Hockey. Tier 3 will become the primary recruiting ground for ACHA Division Two and Three programs.

TJHN will update this story as more information becomes available.

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