CHL's Braxton Whitehead commits to NCAA despite rules against it

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Daniel Lucente
September 13, 2024 (12:14)

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Braxton Whitehead is a CHL player for the Regina Pats and has committed to Arizona State in the NCAA, despite it not being allowed, challenging the rules.

Braxton Whitehead, a forward with the Regina Pats of the WHL, has verbally committed to Arizona State University for the 2025-26 year. The news is major because, as it currently stands, players who have played in Major junior leagues, like the WHL, are considered ineligible in college hockey.

It's most noteworthy, of course, because it's the first since a class-action lawsuit was filed against the NCAA and 10 universities in August. That suit, which is working its way through the courts, challenges the eligibility rules as a violation of antitrust laws that should allow players to participate in both major juniors and college hockey. If successful, it could reshape how young players develop between leagues.

Braxton Whitehead and Arizona State are sure that by the time he's ready to join the Sun Devils in 2025, the rules will be different.

For now, the NCAA considers no CHL player, whether from the WHL, OHL or QMJHL because the leagues include players under NHL contracts and pay players a stipend, up to $250 per month.

The 20-year-old Braxton Whitehead is entering his fifth season with the Pats, having played 195 games with the team, collecting 52 points in 52 games last season.
Arizona State wouldn't comment due to NCAA rules about discussing unsigned players. But Whitehead let the news slip to his Regina teammates Thursday, which confirmed the rumors circulating in the locker room.

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Source: HockeyDB
Braxton Whitehead