Canadian Hockey League's newly opened pathway to NCAA schools a potential disruption for U Sports

Dwayne Hinger has been one of the Regina Pats' education advisors for 11 years. During that time, there have been a lot of shifts, including creating a new study environment for his team's players during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, another change is on the horizon.

On Thursday, the NCAA's Division I Council voted to give Canadian Hockey League players the opportunity to compete for NCAA teams starting next season, provided their clubs only give them payment for expected and necessary expenses. Previously, athletes signed to a CHL contract could not seek out competing in the top collegiate league in the U.S.

Hinger, who spoke toCBC Sports prior to the announcement, said that one of the things both athletes and administrators will have to keep in mind is the different entrance requirements for U.S. universities versus Canadian institutions.

"What's acceptable for admission at Harvard, for example, might be different than admission into Notre Dame, which might be different [to get] into the University of North Dakota. So, it will be really a challenge to try and figure out what are the requirements to get into whatever university there is, and then try to make sure that the student-athlete will be prepared and take courses that will get them into that institution."

Prior to the pandemic, like many other CHL teams, the Pats had a longstanding relationship with a Regina-area high school, allowing athletes to attend while competing. That has now shifted to a hybrid model, with athletes who enrolled in high school classes or those looking to work on school work from post secondary institutions studying from the rink each morning. Each student is engaged with their own distance learning program and Hinger is able to support them