Legal Challenge Against NCAA By Young Canadian Hockey Player

In Buffalo, New York, a legal battle is brewing as 19-year-old Ontario hockey player Rylan Masterson has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA and ten universities. Masterson’s lawsuit stems from what he describes as a “boycott” of players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) who wish to compete in NCAA Division I hockey.

The issue centers around the NCAA’s rule that makes CHL players ineligible for college sports if they have played in the junior leagues. Masterson lost his eligibility in 2022 after playing two exhibition games for the Windsor Spitfires, part of the CHL. The NCAA classifies these players as “professional athletes,” which means they cannot compete in NCAA events, a stance that Masterson argues is outdated in a landscape where college athletes can earn significant income through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.

Masterson’s lawsuit includes well-known institutions, such as Boston College and Boston University. He claims the rule suppresses competition and harms athletes by limiting their opportunities. The complaint seeks class-action status for others who have played in the CHL and later wished to attend college. If certified, this could impact thousands of players.

One of Masterson’s key arguments is that CHL players do not actually receive a wage but a modest stipend intended to cover living expenses, which is not treated as taxable income. His legal team believes the NCAA’s rules unfairly limit players’ chances at higher-level competition and impinge on both the players and the overall quality of NCAA hockey.

Masterson points out that more than half of NHL players have come from the CHL, highlighting its role as a critical pathway for aspiring players. His complaint references other leagues and sports where professional experience is accepted without similar penalties, arguing that the exclusion of CHL players is inconsistent and irrational.

Legal experts believe the NCAA may struggle to defend this rule, especially as they are facing increasing pressure from multiple lawsuits. “The landscape of college sports is changing, and the argument for amateurism doesn’t hold as much weight anymore,” said Jonathan Calla, a former player turned attorney.

Masterson’s case is expected to challenge long-standing NCAA eligibility rules, and the outcome could significantly alter how hockey players transition from junior leagues to college sports.