It won't be as easy for NCAA teams to scout CHL games this season.
A CHL spokesperson confirmed Wednesday the league no longer will issue game passes to NCAA teams this season. The news was first reported Wednesday by Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald.
The development may be a sign that all is not perfect between the organizations following a wild news cycle for some of the top NHL development leagues. The NCAA changed a rule last November, allowing CHL players to play U.S. college hockey starting this season.
Since the change, the CHL has lost more than 150 players to the NCAA, including top 2026 NHL Draft prospects Gavin McKenna (Penn State, Medicine Hat Tigers) and Keaton Verhoeff (North Dakota, Victoria Royals). Schlossman reports 57 of the CHL players going to the NCAA still have NCAA eligibility.
Meanwhile, the CHL has seen big increases in younger American talent joining their three leagues (OHL, WHL, QMJHL), because players now are eligible to play in both Canadian major-junior hockey and the NCAA.
Schlossman reported that College Hockey Inc. — which operates under a board of directors comprised of NCAA hockey commissioners, coaches and administrators — helped secure passes for college coaches to attend CHL games last season.
The CHL spokesperson said passes do not carry over from year to year and there is a new application process prior to each season. The spokesperson also said NCAA teams are welcome to talk to CHL general managers to discuss players on CHL rosters.
However, NCAA programs may work directly with CHL clubs to co-ordinate access to games, the spokesperson added. Each club can determine how that process is managed.
A spokesperson for College Hockey Inc. said game passes for NCAA games are handled by each school's athletic department.
The CHL's three leagues start their regular seasons next week. NCAA play begins early next month.
