Malcolm Spence's NCAA Decision Offers Glimpse into Future of Junior Hockey
Erie Otters star Malcolm Spence is off to the University of Michigan. See how his decision offers a look at what the future of junior hockey could look like.
It was only a matter of time. As soon as it was announced that CHL players would be allowed to play NCAA Hockey starting in 2025-26, hockey players everywhere started considering their own futures.
Up until then, CHL players were considered “professionals” in the eyes of the NCAA. This barred them from playing there due to the rules around being an amateur.
But it is a new world now. Junior players have more flexibility than ever to chart their own development course.
We had heard of a few players already announcing their commitment to play in the NCAA. This week though, the first big shoe dropped.
Malcolm Spence, the former second-overall pick in the OHL, announced his commitment to play at the University of Michigan next season. After spending three seasons with the Erie Otters, he will now wear the maize and blue of the Wolverines.
Considering that Spence will most likely hear his name called in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, this is a massive development thanks to the new rule. It gives us a glimpse of what the future of junior hockey could look like.
First of Many
Spence is one of the first of many that are going to take a similar approach when it comes to jumping from the CHL to NCAA as a high-end prospect. Under the old rules, he would have been set to play in his fourth season with the Otters.
Now, Spence can make the immediate jump over to NCAA Hockey. When you consider all of the factors that would go into a decision like this, it’s easy to see why so many players will make this jump.
While every situation is unique, you will notice the same things come up when someone discusses what goes into their decision of where to play. It always comes down to what’s best for them in the moment.
Recently, Luke Misa announced he was leaving the OHL as he was committed to play at Penn State. Both he and Spence were going to be among the best players in the OHL next season had they stayed.
While those starting out have the junior path available to them, we are now seeing the potential of CHL teams losing star players much earlier than anticipated. The very dynamic of the CHL is going to look different in future seasons.
Factors Involved
What would motivate a CHL player to make the jump to the NCAA? There are a few important factors in play, especially when it comes to a star player. NCAA Hockey has things they offer the CHL doesn’t. What are some of those factors?
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