January 15, 2008
NCAA Opens Door For Canadian Schools
CHN Staff Report
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The NCAA has voted to allow Canadian universities to apply for membership, paving the way for the likes of the University of British Columbia. The vote was 97 percent in favor, including two abstentions.
UBC has previously expressed interest in playing in the NCAA, including men's ice hockey.
The decision, however, allows for UBC and the like to play in Division II. While there is a provision to allow one men's and one women's program per school to "play up" to Division I, there is currently a moratorium in place preventing such a move.
Schools must apply for membership by June 1st.
Canadian schools would obviously have to change their recruiting practices. Currently, a large portion of Canadian college hockey players are older, having previously played major junior. Those players would be ineligible in the NCAA.
Even if accepted into the NCAA, and even if able to "play up" to Division I, UBC would still face the hurdle of needing to be accepted into a conference.
Among other Canadian schools that have expressed interest in the NCAA are Simon Fraser University, the University of Alberta and St Claire's College in Ontario.
In the recent years, Canada has been losing an increasing number of talented hockey players who smarty opt for the prospects of a quality education over the meager salary they are paid in the CHL. I have no reason to believe that once Canadian schools have Division 1 Hockey Teams, they will instantly become competitive.
Jan 15 2008, 12:10 pm by
Edit: In the recent years, Canada has been losing an increasing number of talented hockey players who smarty opt for the prospects of a quality education over the meager salary they are paid in the CHL. I have no reason NOT to believe that once Canadian schools have Division 1 Hockey Teams, they will instantly become competitive.
Jan 15 2008, 12:12 pm by
Perhaps the decision makers in NCAA Division 1 Men's Hockey will recognize this as an opportunity to save the sinking CHA?
Jan 15 2008, 3:31 pm by Jamie, Minneapolis
The hockey people have no authority to override the NCAA-wide moratorium on schools "playing up" to D-I
Jan 15 2008, 3:35 pm by CHN Editor
Well, then they will have to get that moratorium lifted. Tell 'em to roll up their sleeves and get after it. As you are aware, the clock is ticking on the CHA
Jan 15 2008, 3:54 pm by Jamie, Minneapolis
I absolutely disagree with any Canadien colleges being admtted into the NCAA to play hockey. We are 2 seperate countries with 2 seperate college systems. What is next, college teams from Mexico playing NCAA soccer and baseball? When are we going to stop trying to make North America into 1 country?
Jan 16 2008, 1:46 am by j buss seattle
So would it then be called the ICAA... International Collegiate Athletic Assn?
Jan 16 2008, 2:18 pm by Nelson, Lansing MI
This is Great News!
Feb 19 2008, 11:34 am by Erik, Pittsburgh, Hamilton
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