5 NCAA Freshmen Who Might Consider Returning to Junior Hockey
The NCAA experience isn't suitable for everyone. Five former Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players could find value in heading back to their junior teams.
Transition from CHL to NCAA
When Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff left the CHL to pursue NCAA careers, fans feared a wave of talented players leaving junior hockey. However, general managers remained calm.
“We’re not going to probably know the full impacts of this rule change in player movement trends for at least a year or two, maybe three,” said CHL President Dan MacKenzie in July as new regulations were introduced.
Early Season Trends
One notable case is Rylan Gould, who joined Michigan Tech this season. Despite his strong junior performance with the Swift Current Broncos, Gould scored just one goal in six NCAA games. Following a trade back to Swift Current, he chose to return to the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Everett Silvertips.
“There was always going to be the possibility of some of these guys coming back,” said Broncos General Manager Chad Leslie. “We made sure it was open-ended; guys knew they had the opportunity to come back.”
CHL’s Open Door Policy
CHL managers have openly welcomed former players to return if their NCAA path doesn't pan out. This flexible approach acknowledges that college hockey won't be the right fit for everyone.
Potential Candidates for Junior Return
- Players struggling to adapt in NCAA competition.
- Those seeking more ice time or increased development opportunities.
- Former CHL stars aiming to regain confidence and showcase their skills.
The next several months will reveal more about players' decisions, but returning to junior hockey might be beneficial for some freshmen.
Author’s summary: Several NCAA freshmen from the CHL may find returning to junior leagues a practical choice if their college hockey experience proves challenging or limited.