NCAA Set to Revise Age Eligibility Rules in Response to Hockey Community

GRAND FORKS — The NCAA is preparing to make significant changes to its age-based eligibility regulations, a move that has sparked enthusiasm within the hockey community. A memo released by the NCAA on Friday indicated that it will likely adopt a proposal allowing athletes' five-year eligibility period to commence either upon their entry into college or during the semester following their 19th birthday.

This recommendation has been widely supported by various stakeholders in the hockey sector, including commissioners from every NCAA men's hockey conference, junior league leaders from both the U.S. and Canada, as well as representatives from the NHL. "On behalf of the entire ice hockey community, we are grateful to the NCAA Division I Cabinet for their willingness to consider and support our counter-proposal on age eligibility," remarked Hockey East commissioner Steve Metcalf.

Heather Weems, commissioner of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, echoed this sentiment, expressing her satisfaction with the decision. "The NCAA's announcement today was a big win for college hockey and our partners who comprise the pathway," Weems stated. "It was truly a team effort to build consensus and generate support from other sports. It was a great Friday afternoon outcome."

Previously, the eligibility clock for athletes was set to begin upon high school graduation, a change that would have had significant implications for men's hockey, which allows players to delay college enrollment for up to three years post-graduation—this is also true for men's and women's skiing. In contrast, all other NCAA sports permit only a one-year deferral.

The NCAA's adjustment follows recommendations from various stakeholders, including those involved in men's ice hockey, men's basketball, and the U.S. national service academies. Player agents have also expressed approval of the new proposal, with one agent calling it "so huge" and another simply stating, "Thank God."