WHL's Braxton Whitehead Challenges NCAA Rules with Arizona State Commitment

Whitehead's verbal commitment to ASU marks the first by a CHL player since a lawsuit was filed against NCAA eligibility rules.

Braxton Whitehead, a player from the WHL's Regina Pats, has verbally committed to play for Arizona State University starting in the 2025-26 season.
NCAA rules currently prohibit athletes who have played in the Canadian Hockey League from participating in college sports due to their professional status.
A class-action lawsuit filed in August challenges these NCAA eligibility rules, claiming they violate antitrust laws and constitute a 'group boycott' of Canadian players.
The lawsuit seeks to allow major junior hockey players to compete in NCAA athletics, potentially reshaping the landscape for player development in North America.
Whitehead's commitment could prompt NCAA programs to reconsider their recruiting strategies, with some already planning to scout CHL games this season.