NCAA team officially adds CHL player amid class action lawsuit

PUBLICATION

Daniel Lucente
September 13, 2024  (9:41)

SHARE THIS STORY

Photo credit: Regina Pats on YouTube

Despite the NCAA prohibiting CHL players from committing to Colleges, Braxton Whitehead of the Regina Pats did just that, defying the rules.

Regina Pats forward Braxton Whitehead, playing forward in the WHL, has verbally committed to play for Arizona State University beginning the 2025-26 season. This is somewhat important, since, under the current rules, players from major junior leagues, the WHL and OHL, as well as the QMJHL, are not eligible for college hockey.

What makes this more interesting is that it comes on the heels of a class-action lawsuit filed in August against the NCAA and ten universities, claiming that their rules of eligibility break antitrust laws and that players should be allowed to participate in both major juniors and college hockey. If the lawsuit were to succeed, it could change how players move between these leagues.

That's why Braxton Whitehead and Arizona State are banking on the rules changing by the time he's set to join the Sun Devils in 2025. Currently, the NCAA doesn't allow any CHL player to play in college because those leagues include NHL-contracted players and provide a stipend of up to $250 per month.

Braxton Whitehead, who turned 20 over the weekend, is getting set to embark on his fifth season with the Pats after putting up 52 points in 52 games last season. Due to NCAA rules regarding unsigned players, Arizona State isn't allowed to comment, but Whitehead let the news spill to his teammates in Regina on Thursday, confirming the rumblings that had been making the rounds in the locker room.

Source: ESPN
WHL's Braxton Whitehead commits to Arizona State, challenging NCAA rules

Source: Elite Prospects
Braxton Whitehead Stats

Warning: include(/home//inout/pub_inline.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/marqueur/public_html/news/auto/blogs_id/428903.php on line 37

Warning: include(): Failed opening '/home//inout/pub_inline.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/opt/cpanel/ea-php74/root/usr/share/pear') in /home/marqueur/public_html/news/auto/blogs_id/428903.php on line 37

Previously

Miami Dolphins star Tua Tagovailoa may be forced to retire after possible traumatic brain injury

NHL and Gary Bettman on the verge of another lockout? Major new details emerge

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube may make controversial decision with William Nylander

POLL
SEPTEMBRE 13   |   68 ANSWERS NCAA team officially adds CHL player amid class action lawsuit Will Braxton Whitehead win his case?
Yes	33	48.5 %
No	35	51.5 %
LIST OF POLLS

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Mike Whitaker Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES