The Current State of Bantam / Midget Hockey in North America

Sean Cromarty • July 15, 2025

It’s official, I have a blog and I know how to use it.

🏒 The Changing Ice: How CHL Players Are Now Skating Into NCAA Division 1 — What This Means for You

For years, elite youth hockey players across North America were forced to make a defining choice early: commit to the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and forfeit NCAA eligibility—or go the U.S. junior route through the USHL or NAHL to preserve it.

But that all changed in July 2024.

As of the 2025-26 season, CHL players are now eligible to compete in NCAA Division 1 hockey—a landmark decision reshaping the development roadmap for Bantam Major and Midget-level players across North America.

Why This Matters to Players Ages 14–17

Whether you're lacing up for your Bantam Major season or entering the highly scrutinized Midget years, your development path just gained a new level of flexibility. For players training with Competitive Advantage Training, this means a new set of opportunities—and a new set of decisions.

What Led to This Rule Change?

The NCAA’s decision stems from several evolving trends in player development:

  • Demand for competitive parity between major junior and college hockey
  • Pressure from elite CHL alumni who were previously shut out of the NCAA system
  • Recognition that many CHL teams operate with academic integrity and player support systems rivaling their U.S. counterparts

Now, the NCAA is adjusting course to remain a premier destination for elite development—and that means top CHL talent is now fair game.

CHL to NCAA: The 2025-26 Outlook

Here’s what you need to know:

  • There are currently 64 NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey programs.
  • As of July 2025, over 50 CHL players have committed to NCAA Division I programs for the 2025-26 season—a number expected to grow rapidly.
  • Schools like Michigan, Boston University, North Dakota, and Minnesota Duluth are already integrating CHL players into their rosters.

Which CHL Leagues Are Feeding NCAA Rosters?

While the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL all fall under the CHL banner, the OHL currently leads in NCAA commits, followed closely by the WHL. The QMJHL is still gaining traction but has seen a spike in recruitment interest from Hockey East and ECAC programs.

Why are NCAA programs targeting CHL players?

  • High-level competition in the CHL mimics NCAA pace and intensity
  • Players have already been exposed to pro-style systems
  • Many CHL players are physically and mentally ready to contribute immediately

How This Impacts Recruiting Timelines

For 14–17-year-olds, recruiting timelines remain critical.

According to NCAA recruiting rules:

  • June 15 following sophomore year: Coaches may begin written communication and verbal offers.
  • August 1 before junior year: Coaches may initiate off-campus contact and official visits.

That means if you’re entering Grade 10 or 11, you're already in the window.

CHL vs. USHL: How the Development Leagues Compare

League

# of Teams

Notable Facts

CHL (OHL, WHL, QMJHL)

60 (20 per league)

Historically viewed as "major junior" and previously ineligible for NCAA

USHL

16

Top U.S. Tier I junior league with strong NCAA commitment track record

Now that the eligibility wall has come down, NCAA coaches are scouting both leagues with equal intensity. The key is being in the right environment, getting elite coaching, and showing up on the radar at the right time.

The Competitive Advantage

At Competitive Advantage Training, our goal is to help you own your path—not just follow someone else's.

Whether you’re training for CHL exposure, USHL showcases, or NCAA camps, we’re building complete players—on the ice, in the gym, and in the film room.

We know the game because we’ve played it, coached it, and studied the systems behind every league. Follow us on Instagram @compadv_fitness for elite training insights, recruiting updates, and development strategies tailored to where you are right now.

Ready to elevate your development? Train with purpose. Train with advantage.

#NCAAHockey #CHLHockey #YouthHockey #USHL #HockeyDevelopment #BantamHockey #MidgetHockey #NCAARecruiting #CHLtoNCAA #CompAdvFitness #HockeyTraining

Questions to Ask a Coach When Being Recruited

By Sean Cromarty • July 16, 2025
by Competitive Advantage Training | @compadv_fitness Whether you're moving into AAA midget, looking at prep school, or being recruited by a junior or NCAA program, one thing stays the same — you have the power to ask questions. Too often, players are so excited to be contacted that they forget to learn about the coach, the program, and the commitment ahead. But remember: the recruiting process is not a one-way street. At Competitive Advantage Training, we’ve seen firsthand how asking the right questions can completely change the trajectory of your career. Below is a curated list of must-ask questions that every hockey player (and parent) should bring to the table when speaking with a coach. Hockey and Coaching Philosophy · What is your personal playing background? · How would you describe your coaching style? Training and Development Commitment · What off-ice/off-season training and conditioning programs do you offer? · Who else are you recruiting for my position? · When would you expect me to begin playing? Academics and Support · What academic support programs are available to student-athletes? · Is summer school available? If I need to take summer school, will it be paid for? · Are there academic criteria tied to maintaining the scholarship? Daily Life and Expectations · What is a typical day like for a student-athlete? · What are the residence halls like? Financials and Scholarships · How much financial aid is available for the academic year and summer school? What does your scholarship cover? · How long does my scholarship last? · Exactly how much will the athletic scholarship be? What will and won’t be covered? · Am I eligible for additional financial aid? Are there any restrictions? Injury and Insurance · Who is financially responsible if I’m injured while competing? · Under what circumstances could my scholarship be reduced or canceled? · What scholarship money is available if I suffer a career-ending injury? Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Passive Coaches respect players who come prepared. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your future — academically, athletically, and financially — is on the line. At Competitive Advantage Training, we help players like you prepare for every step of the journey, from performance training to the recruiting grind. Stay Ready with Competitive Advantage Website: www.compadvfitness.com Instagram: @compadv_fitness Whether you're talking to a prep coach, junior recruiter, or NCAA staff, these questions will give you clarity, confidence, and control. #compadv #hockeyrecruiting #playerdevelopment #ncaa #ushl #prep #juniorhockey #bantammajor #hockeytraining

Understanding the NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Recruiting Timeline: What Every Player Ages 14–17 Needs to Know

By Sean Cromarty • July 16, 2025
At Competitive Advantage Training, we’re committed to helping young athletes and their families make the smartest choices when it comes to hockey development. If you’re a Bantam Major to Midget player (14–17 years old), navigating the college hockey recruiting process can seem overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Thanks to recent updates by the NCAA, there’s a clear timeline that governs when coaches can talk to players and when offers can be made. Knowing this timeline is crucial for players who want to stay eligible and make the most of their opportunities. Let’s break it down so you and your family can plan ahead with confidence. ________________________________________ 📅 Division I Men’s Hockey Recruiting Timeline Grade What Happens? What It Means for You Before Jan 1 of Grade 10 ❌ No recruiting conversations allowed Focus on development, not contact with coaches. Stay NCAA eligible. Jan 1 of Grade 10 (typically age 15–16) ✅ Recruiting conversations are permitted Coaches can now reach out and begin talking to you about their programs. Before Grade 11 (Aug 1) ✅ Verbal offers allowed ✅ Official campus visits permitted You can begin visiting schools and even receive early offers (non-binding). Grade 12 (Senior Year) 🖊️ National Letter of Intent signing period opens Time to formalize commitments. Signing becomes official. Post-High School / Junior Hockey 🏒 Most players commit at age 19 during junior hockey Even if you don’t commit in high school, you’re not behind. NCAA teams often recruit older, more mature players. ________________________________________ 🧊 The Reality: Most Players Commit at Age 19 It’s easy to feel pressure when some players are getting offers at 16. But the truth is, the average age of commitment for Division I hockey is 19. This gives players time to grow, develop, and prepare to succeed at the college level — physically, mentally, and academically. ________________________________________ 🧠 How Competitive Advantage Training Can Help At Competitive Advantage Training, we use our decades of playing and coaching experience to prepare young athletes for every step of this journey: ✅ Skills & strength development ✅ Academic and recruiting planning ✅ Advice on navigating CHL/NCAA decisions ✅ Personal mentorship and guidance Whether you’re just entering high school or already in junior hockey, we’ll help you build a strategic roadmap to your goals. ________________________________________ 📲 Follow Us for More Insight Stay up to date and get daily development tips on Instagram: @compadv_fitness For more information on NCAA rules and updates, visit CollegeHockeyInc.com ________________________________________ You only get one shot at this. Let’s make it count. — Coach Sean Cromarty, Competitive Advantage Training