NCAA Eligibility Changes Could Have Seismic Effect On Hockey

The NCAA seems intent on changing its eligibility rules across the board, and while on the surface they might look positive, they will potentially have a negative effect on hockey programs and players.

The NCAA's Division I Cabinet is set to meet on Friday to determine how the new rules will look. A "five-for-five" rule is being proposed that would grant athletes five years of eligibility, but the clock would start on that eligibility once the athlete graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever comes first.

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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 10:08 AM.