In a recent tweet on the X platform, it was revealed by the family of Oilers prospect Matthew Savoie how their son’s hockey career began and hockey canada’s tactics that were used.

Matthew’s father Scott Savoie explained how he wanted his son to play in the Alberta junior Hockey League next to his older brother Carter to give Matthew some time to decide whether he wants to go to the Western Hockey League.

He goes on to state that Hockey Canada denied his request and that they deemed their son Matthew exceptional as a way for him to go to the WHL right away. He also explains that this tactic blocked Savoie’s eligibility to go to the NCAA to play for an American school.

These rules in tactics have been felt throughout many Canadian hockey players careers as an attempt to try to keep as many players in Canada as possible.

This has all come to light since the decision was made by the NCAA earlier in December to remove the barriers between the CHL and the NCAA and allow Canadian hockey players to cross the border and play for the NCAA with no issue as they will be viewed as college hockey amateurs rather than professionals.

This move certainly has caused some havoc and much discussion on how this will affect CHL going forward as hockey players can go to United States schools, get their education can be eligible to play for an NHL team at the NHL draft.

The hockey landscape is changing across North America and more changes are expected as the leagues move into a more open style it has become more of a business rather than focusing on the sport that these players have come to play for.

The change with the NCAA will take effect in the 2025-2026 season.