WHL weighs NCAA challenge, rule tweaks and expansion amid busy offseason changes

Of the eight WHL players selected in the first round of this year’s NHL Draft, seven have already committed to or departed for NCAA programs. Near said that shift has also influenced draft coverage narratives.

“The NCAA is the shiny new toy,” Near said. “It’s got the marketing reach and clout in basketball and football. Is it frustrating that a player is more associated with the NCAA than the WHL before even stepping on the ice there? Yeah, it is, but over time we’re going to try to course correct. Every day we’re trying to earn credit for our role in player development.”

There has been speculation that NCAA programs are offering financial incentives to CHL players, though that has not been confirmed publicly.

The WHL contributes more than $3 million annually in scholarships to players and alumni. Near said the league may need to re-examine how that money is used if more players choose the NCAA route, but he ruled out paying players directly.

“We have to ask how many players are attracted to our league because of our scholarship versus the NCAA,” Near said. “If it makes our scholarship redundant, is there a better way we could use that investment? But creating payroll is not on the table because of amateurism.”

Near emphasized there is no formal agreement between the CHL and NCAA, noting the NCAA’s rule changes allow it to recruit players more freely than the structured systems within Canadian hockey.

“The NCAA changed its regulations,” Near said. “We have structured partnerships throughout hockey, but the NCAA allows players to move more freely. It changes how the system has historically worked, and we’re evaluating the implications.”

Near also addressed concerns about the WHL’s visibility compared to NCAA hockey, which has gained traction through media platforms and podcasts in recent years. One reporter pointed to the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, who in recent years have gotten behind the college hockey game and promoted it heavily including a full web series dedicated to showcasing college programs, while the CHL and WHL don’t seem to have that same backing.

That’s a tricky challenge to overcome according to Near because no one is motivating these podcasts and media outlets to cover the college game, they’re just doing it naturally. Near said that it’s a bigger problem than just contacting the likes of TSN and Sportsnet and asking about them to talk about our league more.

“A structured PR plan can feel contrived,” Near said. “You’re as good as people say you are. I can give statistics, but it’s about others believing it. Right now, headlines can overshadow details.”

Near said one way to shift perception is by highlighting player development success stories, including players who chose to remain in the WHL or returned from the NCAA such as the Ruck twins staying in Medicine Hat despite huge offers, or Rylan Gould coming back from the NCAA and winning a championship with the Everett Silvertips.

The league also announced several rule and operational changes following the AGM.

One major trial will take place during the preseason involving a new 3-on-3 overtime format designed to reduce puck possession stalling. The rule prevents teams from retreating from the offensive zone with possession.

“If a team takes the puck out and touches it, it’s an immediate whistle and the faceoff goes back into their defensive zone,” Near said. “There’s no penalty, but they don’t get a line change.”

The league will evaluate feedback from fans, coaches and officials before deciding whether to implement the rule in the regular season.

Near said the concept is based on similar overtime formats used in European leagues.

The WHL is also making schedule and travel changes aimed at improving player experience. The regular season will be extended by one week while maintaining a 68-game schedule.

Teams will also be permitted to use air travel for their annual interconference road trips, following feedback from players and families.

“I expect it to become the norm,” Near said. “But I can’t say every trip will be by air as we evaluate how it works.”

Finally, Near provided an update on potential WHL expansion to Chilliwack, B.C., alongside previously announced plans for Penticton.

Interest in Chilliwack had appeared to stall, but Near said discussions have resumed with a second ownership group now involved. A potential return for the market could still align with the 2026-27 or 2027-28 season.

“The WHL has invited an additional interested party to participate in the process,” Near said. “They’ve met with the city and stakeholders, and submitted a competitive bid. Our intention remains to launch in Chilliwack in fall 2027, but timing depends on how the process progresses.”

If approved, Chilliwack would become the WHL’s 24th team. The league has not yet determined whether realignment would be required when the expansion occurs.

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nick.nielsen@pattisonmedia.com

by Nick Nielsen

WHL weighs NCAA challenge, rule tweaks and expansion amid busy offseason changes

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