The Takeover of NCAA Hockey

In terms of North America's major four sports leagues, it's safe to say that the NHL is easily number four. The popularity of the NHL in the U.S. specifically is nowhere close to the other three professional leagues, and unfortunately, neither is the revenue. However, even though the NHL is lower on the list in terms of America's favorite pass time, NCAA Hockey has began to take over and turn heads. Let's take a look at why that is and how we're starting to fall in love with college hockey!

The Western Michigan Broncos following their 2025 National Championship win. (Adam Sheehan)

NCAA hockey is lively, energetic, and highlights incredible storylines. On top of that though, the NCAA has shown their commitment to change in an effort to bring in more fans, which is an area where the NHL has been lacking. The most recent change in the league is the eligibility of players coming from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL).

Markus Vidicek (Quinnipiac University) playing for the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL (Halifax Mooseheads)

Originally, NCAA rules on amateurism deemed CHL players to be professionals, and therefore ineligible for college hockey. This meant that players were forced to choose at 15 or 16 whether to play major junior hockey, or to head into lower divisions in order to preserve their amateur status. They could gamble on getting drafted out of the CHL and having better chances overall to make the NHL, or wait and go with the less sure option of potentially playing college hockey as a Canadian. Last November though, the NCAA’s Division I council voted to make CHL players eligible - a change that signified a new era of collegiate hockey. Now, athletes that are eligible to play in the CHL can gain experience for two or three years there, and then merge into collegiate hockey, where the game is faster paced, stronger, and more noticeable, both to the general public and NHL scouts.

The Quinnipiac Bobcats following their National Championship win in 2023. (NCAA Hockey)

But what else makes the NCAA so much more thrilling than the NHL?

The hunger, simply put. College hockey players fight for their spot in the lineup every night for just a chance to be spotted by an NHL scout; their determination to prove themselves is something that makes the game so engaging. And of course, there's also the appeal of watching NHL prospects. For example, Boston College currently has six Boston Bruins draft picks on their roster, so it's no shock that many Bruins fans will turn on an Eagles game. Sometime in the future those players will likely be donning their colors, so why not throw on the game to see who might be playing for you?

Additionally, the age of ESPN+ has made college hockey more accessible than ever before, and with growing frustration from fans in how the NHL has handled team markets, players, and controversy, more and more people are turning to the NCAA. Often, the NHL can feel like they're betraying their fans with some of their decisions, so, especially recently, many have begun to turn to the league that seems like they actually do care about their fans and what their culture is.

While college hockey will likely never reach the level of college football in the U.S., it's safe to say that the growth of the league is significant, and their willingness to adapt to the times is putting them in a position for success. Often student tickets are cheaper, so even if you're not a huge hockey fan, show up at your school's next game to support your team - we can almost guarantee that you're going to have a good time!

Edited by Caitlyn Wagner