<p>Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres Patriotes' Felix Lauzon (24) tries to steer the puck past University of New Brunswick Reds goaltender Samuel Richard (33) during third period of the USports University Cup men's university hockey final in Toronto, Sunday, March 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young</p>
March 11, 2025 - 1:02 PM
RICHMOND HILL, Ont. - U Sports will allow incoming student-athletes who have played professional hockey to participate immediately in men's hockey without a waiting period.
The change starts with the 2025-26 season, U Sports announced Tuesday.
The previous rule required former pro players to wait 365 days before becoming eligible to play university men’s hockey.
In addition, any professional participation before August 15 of the year a player turns 22 will not count toward their U SPORTS eligibility.
A roster deadline rule has not changed, however.
A player who plays outside of U Sports after Jan. 10, either professionally or as an amateur, can't join a university team in that season.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 11, 2025.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2025