So many people have been asking the difference between Major Junior Hockey in Canada and Junior Hockey in the United States at every level.
The most common questions have been simple ones that relate to NCAA eligibility.
Some people say that if you play a single game of major junior hockey, the player is not allowed to play NCAA hockey in the future. The truth is much simpler, however.
Players can not be on a training camp Major Junior hockey for more than 72 hours without becoming ineligible. After 72 hours, you must leave the camp or you must be able to prove that you paid your own cost for the camp. If you do not leave or can not prove you paid your own way, you become NCAA ineligible.
Playing regular season or exhibition games in Major Junior also makes you ineligible for NCAA. But of course you must go through camp first. Players must be aware of this rule, if not, you are at risk.
If a player signs Major Junior “contract” then the player is NCAA ineligible. There is a rare circumstance when this can be appealed but it is very rare indeed.
The truths of what a Major Junior contract pays for university are also not as many would like to make them out to be.
Major Junior players earn University funding based upon years of play in the Major Junior leagues. Years of service are accounted for differently in each league. They are also accounted for differently for goaltenders compared to forwards and defensemen. It is not uncommon for players to be required to play in a minimum amount of games in order to earn even one year of paid tuition at a University.
If faced with a decision between Major Junior and playing Junior Hockey in the United States, you had better have an adviser to walk you through the process. Negotiating, or looking at an opportunity with out the proper, experienced person behind you may cost you more than you are prepared to pay.
