If America can’t annex Canada, it can at least work on leveling the playing field across both countries in terms of hockey development. And, it turns out, that is exactly what has just happened. While for years Canada has been the place young players go to if they want to get serious about professional hockey, it now seems like the USA might want to reinvigorate their youth hockey training program, as it has done with so many other sports like football, basketball, and wrestling. Considering the amount of money that is in the NHL, which is ranked 5th in America by revenue, it is only wise to start investing in the training of young talent in the country.
Well, it looks like that’s the case. NHL insider Frank Seravalli made a statement on X earlier today wherein he brought to attention the ‘landmark agreement’ that was signed between the major U.S. hockey associations, the NHL and the USHL, with a focus on developing the youth hockey league, the USHL. The agreement essentially looks at “player-first initiatives and funding resources” in order to “put the USHL on a more level ice surface with its Canadian major junior equivalents.”
Hearing the @USHL, @NHL and @usahockey have reached a landmark agreement that includes player-first initiatives and funding resources that will finally put the USHL on a more level ice surface with its Canadian major junior equivalents.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 12, 2025
For many years, young American hockey players had to pick between the CHL or NCAA even before they entered the professional junior leagues. But choosing the CHL meant giving up your NCAA eligibility. But with the decision that was made to allow CHL players to retain NCAA eligibility, things began to look a lot different. Which is where this newest decision comes in.
By letting CHL players play in the NCAA, the USHL suddenly lost one of its biggest advantages. Because one thing it did have going in its favor was that USHL players remained NCAA eligible, while CHL players did not. This was because CHL players got a stipend, and that made them ineligible for NCAA before this rule was altered. Also, compared to the USHL, the CHL had better funding, training, resources, and visibility, so the NCAA advantage was big. But with the slate wiped clean, it looks like the USHL, NHL, and USA Hockey are trying to ensure that the USHL doesn’t lose all its competitive advantages.
With the USHL looking to grow with “player-first initiatives and funding resources,” the training grounds for professional hockey might look vastly different and a lot more equal in the near future. As always, fans had a lot to say about it.
NHL fans weigh in on Frank Seravalli’s statement
Understandably, with all the many factors at play in this announcement, the internet had a lot to say in response to Seravalli’s statement.
One fan thought it was all about getting back at Canada after the USA finally got to the finals of the 4 Nations Face-Off but couldn’t win against their longtime rivals. “USA Didn’t like getting beat at Four Nations apparently lol.” This explanation does not make sense; perhaps after years of losses against Canada internationally, the U.S. hockey leagues are trying to fortify their resources and training centers so they are self-reliant in the years to come. Tariffs and training, keep it all American?
Another fan thought it had nothing to do with the Four Nations Face Off and rather a tactic by the NCAA used to recruit Canadian juniors. “It’s funny watching everyone think this is about Four Nations and not the NCAA making Canadian junior players eligible to play in the NCAA…” Which is the more plausible explanation, considering it had already been announced in January of this year that in the 2025-2026 season, players from the CHL would be eligible to play in the NCAA 2025-2026 season.
Some other X users used Seravalli’s statement as an opportunity to dream even bigger. “We need a SUPER Junior league of 32 teams… 8 in the USHL, 8 in the OHL, 8 in the WHL, 8 in the LHJMQ. The rest go Division 2.” Which I suppose is a way of promoting Junior Hockey on the same level as other collegiate sports like football and basketball are promoted, but it seems like a drawn-out dream given the USHL is only looking at getting things together now.
Another user took fault with the NCAA’s eligibility changes for CHL players, saying, “The USHL used to be the best place for players wanting to play in the NCAA. With recent eligibility changes, elite players are going to choose the CHL…” A statement that harks back to that tariffs and training mentality, keepin’ things American.
Another user still had a much deeper question that summed up the whole thing quite interestingly: Why is the NHL not merged with USA Hockey? Tired of efforts to grow the game in a country that doesn’t care about hockey.” A fair question, perhaps in order to push this USHL development initiative, it is only wise for the future of young American hockey players that the NHL and USA Hockey merge. Stronger together, amirite?
In any case, the next time the two countries meet internationally, likely at Milano-Cortina, is going to be an interesting one!
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