U SPORTS announces eligibility reforms in men’s hockey

U SPORTS announced changes to its rules regarding professional participation in men's hockey on Tuesday, which will provide greater flexibility for potential incoming student-athletes. Starting with the 2025-26 season, incoming student-athletes who have played professional hockey will be allowed to participate immediately in U SPORTS men's hockey without a waiting period.

This change modifies the previous rule that required former professional players to wait 365 days before becoming eligible to play university men's hockey. In addition, any professional participation before August 15 of the year a player turns 22 will not count toward their U SPORTS eligibility.

Note that the January 10 roster deadline, standard across all leagues sanctioned by Hockey Canada, still applies. A player who plays outside of U SPORTS after January 10, either professionally or as an amateur, may not join a U SPORTS team in that season.

"We are pleased to announce these steps today as a significant evolution in our efforts to ensure the highest quality of U SPORTS men's hockey programs nationwide," said Pierre Arsenault, Chief Executive Officer of U SPORTS. "University hockey in Canada has a rich history of providing exceptional experiences and opportunities for elite players, and we have been collaborating closely with the conferences and our members to enhance and strengthen our role in the hockey system."

The 35 U SPORTS men's hockey programs, which compete in three conferences across Canada from Vancouver to Halifax, consistently attract top-level players after their junior hockey careers. The Canadian university experience is renowned for its respected and well-established coaching in supportive environments that foster ongoing development and academic success. 

U SPORTS hockey experiences often lead to professional opportunities for players, including the NHL, after participating in the Canadian circuit. This occurs while the student-athlete receives a world-class Canadian university education.

"It is every hockey players' dream to play professional hockey," said Brett Gibson, head men's hockey coach at Queen's University. "We offer a place where players can continue to develop on and off the ice to meet their goals. U SPORTS allowing players to return after a year of professional hockey is a very progressive move, and it will continue to grow our product across the country. Players now have more choices, and U SPORTS hockey is an excellent choice for any hockey player." 

The announcement comes as U SPORTS is just nine days away from the 2025 BioSteel University Cup. The eight-team, single elimination tournament will feature the host Ottawa Gee-Gees along with Saskatchewan, Mount Royal, Toronto Metropolitan, Concordia, UNB, Moncton and the OUA bronze medallist, who will be determined on Saturday. Action at The Arena at TD Place begins on Thursday, March 20 at 1 p.m., and continues through to the gold medal game, set for 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 23. Tickets are available at usportstickets.ca, and the games will be broadcast on CBC's digital platforms in English and Radio-Canada's digital platforms in French.