It appears the main stakeholders in hockey are going to get their wish when it comes to new rules for NCAA age eligibility.
The NCAA is backing off a plan to start an athlete's five-year eligibility clock following high-school graduation or 19th birthday, whatever comes first.
The NCAA Division I cabinet has now modified the plan, instead starting that clock upon initial enrollment at any school or at the start of the academic year following their 19th birthday, whatever comes first, the NCAA announced Friday.
"The adjustment follows recommendations from stakeholders in men's ice hockey, men's basketball and the U.S. national service academies," the NCAA said in a statement, adding it will meet again to consider the model later this month.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Tuesday the league had made the NCAA aware it was not in favour of the original plan.
“We and a number of other hockey organizations throughout North America — the three junior leagues in Canada, the USHL, USA Hockey, the college coaches association — all have raised concerns," Daly said.
Hockey is different than other high school-to-college sports like basketball, baseball and football because players are often older after first spending time at the junior level or at a prep school.
— with files from AP.
