Understanding North American College Hockey

By David Dew

Disclaimer: While these insights are based on extensive experience and research, they reflect my personal opinions and are not intended to disparage any representatives, teams, or leagues. MOLE Hockey supports the development and exposure of players across all levels and programs.

College hockey in North America offers a vast array of opportunities, spanning both the United States and Canada. While NCAA Division 1 (D1) remains the most prestigious level, there are many other high-caliber options that serve as excellent paths for aspiring players. In 2025, the NCAA will allow D1 programs to recruit CHL players (from the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL), a change that is set to impact the college hockey landscape significantly. Below, we’ll break down the options by country and level.

United States College Hockey

The U.S. model is diverse, offering opportunities across several leagues and divisions:

-NCAA Division 1

-NCAA Division 3

-ACHA Division 1

-CHF Division 1

-ACHA Division 2

-CHF Division 2

-ACHA Division 3

-CHF Division 3

NCAA Divison 1

NCAA D1 is the pinnacle of college hockey in the U.S., but earning a roster spot is extremely challenging. The majority of recruits come from elite development pipelines such as the USNDTP, USHL, BCHL, and now, the CHL under the new eligibility rules. Additional roster spots are often filled by top-tier players from U.S. and Canadian Tier 2 junior leagues.

Many players don’t realize how competitive it is to secure a D1 offer. The closer you are to aging out of juniors (20 or 21 years old), the slimmer your chances become. Many top Tier 2 junior players never receive a D1 offer, underscoring the high level of competition.

NCAA D1 serves as a major stepping stone for professional hockey. It is home to NHL draft picks and free-agent signings, as well as players preparing for the pro level. Graduates often move on to the AHL, ECHL, or high-level European leagues. The most talented players transition to the NHL, while others find opportunities in the AHL/ECHL or other professional leagues.

NCAA Division 3

NCAA D3 is often undermined but offers a highly competitive level of hockey. While it is a step below D1, securing a commitment is still challenging. The average D3 recruit has Tier 2 junior experience in the U.S. or Canada, or has played for a strong prep school program.

Conferences like the NCHA (home to Adrian College and St. Norbert) showcase powerhouse programs, while others, like the MASCAC, are more comparable to the Atlantic Hockey Conferences compete level within D1. Many top D3 programs also recruit post-graduate players directly from prep schools, especially in the Northeast, before they commit to juniors. Depth players may come from U.S. Tier 3 junior leagues, particularly the EHL (Northeast proximity) and select USPHL Premier/NA3HL programs.

D3 hockey also offers pathways to professional leagues. Top players may advance to the SPHL, European leagues, or occasionally the ECHL or AHL. Notable D3 alumni, such as Keith Aucoin, have even reached the NHL. Depth players often land within the FPHL still a high caliber of professional hockey despite it's ranking.

ACHA/CHF Division 1

The ACHA's D1 level provides highly competitive hockey. The top 10 programs are often comparable to NCAA D3 teams, with some even winning exhibition games against D3 schools. Certain programs, like Ohio University and Liberty, offer NCAA D1 level amenities, large fanbases, and strong coaching.

ACHA D1 rosters typically consist of players from Tier 3 juniors, though top programs also attract Tier 2 players and NCAA D3 transfers. Players from this level may pursue professional opportunities in leagues like the FPHL, SPHL, European pro leagues, and, in rare cases, the ECHL. The CHF has emerged as a direct competitor to the ACHA for all divisions. While positive for US College hockey the association still has it’s work cut out for it considering the strong reputation and foothold of the ACHA.

ACHA/CHF Divisions 2 & 3

These levels provide structured and competitive hockey, often for players who have opted out of junior hockey or come from strong high school, 18UAA, or 18UAAA teams. Top teams at these levels can compete with ACHA D1 programs and offer great experiences, including coaching, equipment, and fan support.

These divisions are particularly popular in southern states like Florida and the Carolinas, where hockey is growing. Professional opportunities still exist at this level, though they are rarer, with players occasionally moving into the FPHL, senior a/aa/aaa amateur leagues, or lower divisions within European leagues.

Canadian College Hockey

Canada’s college hockey system is smaller than its U.S. counterpart, focusing on two primary leagues:

-USPORTS

-ACAC

-BCIHL

USPORTS

USPORTS is Canada’s equivalent to NCAA hockey. Its top programs are comparable to NCAA D1, with teams occasionally winning or competing closely in exhibition games against D1 schools.

USPORTS teams primarily recruit non NHL bound CHL alumni and high-end Tier 2 junior players. Depth occasionally is filled by Junior B players holding strong resumes. While the league is not as widely recognized as the NCAA, it has produced NHL alumni such as Joel Ward. Many USPORTS players pursue professional opportunities in European leagues, the SPHL, or the ECHL, with rare cases advancing to the AHL or NHL.

ACAC/BCIHL

The ACAC (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference) and BCIHL (British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League) are both based in western Canada and provide opportunities similar to the ACHA D1. Top programs, like Simon Fraser University and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), can compete with USPORTS and some U.S. NCAA teams. However, the league lacks depth, and the talent level varies significantly.

Players often come from Canadian Junior A and B programs (mostly within the West), with occasional recruits from CHL teams. Professional opportunities include the FPHL, European leagues, and Senior A/AA/AAA hockey in Canada. Top level talent may crack ECHL rosters but this is a rare case.

Final Thoughts

North America offers an abundance of college hockey opportunities, but it’s crucial for players to understand and navigate their options carefully. The U.S. college hockey model, led by the NCAA, is more structured and better integrated into professional development, while Canada’s system is smaller and more focused on the CHL as a primary development pathway to the NHL.

The recent NCAA rule change allowing CHL players to maintain D1 eligibility will likely further shift the balance in favor of the U.S. model. However, both systems offer excellent opportunities depending on a player’s goals and circumstances. Research thoroughly, utilize your resources, and maximize your exposure to the programs that align with your aspirations.

At MOLE Hockey, we’re committed to guiding players toward the opportunities that align with their aspirations. For more personalized insights, don’t hesitate to reach out or explore our additional resources.

-David Dew

President, MOLE Hockey