The Arizona State Solar Devils have landed a historic dedication in Braxton Whitehead, who at the moment performs within the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Regina Pats. This morning, Whitehead verbally introduced his dedication to ASU regardless of the NCAA ban, which prevents main junior gamers from enjoying varsity faculty hockey in the US. It additionally wasn’t simply ASU within the combine for Whitehead, as Mike McMahon of the School Hockey Information says as much as 5 groups had been trying so as to add him to their squad, however ASU acquired their man.
Whether or not or not this will get achieved, it’s honest to say that each ASU and Whitehead are assured the restrictions might be lifted, and he’ll have the ability to begin the 2025-26 season with the Solar Devils.
Arizona State Atop the Record for Whitehead
“[ASU’s] slogan is ‘Be the Custom’ and I believe they love the concept of me being a trailblazer all through all this and paving the way in which with NCAA and CHL relations,” Whitehead informed Wyshynski. “I’m very hopeful that [the rules] will flip over earlier than the 2025-2026 season.”
Born in Palmer, Alaska, Whitehead has performed with the Regina Pats for the previous 4 seasons and can play his fifth and remaining throughout the 2024-25 season. Final season, the 20-year-old had his finest season but, notching 17 targets and 52 factors in 52 video games. Since their arrival in Division I within the NCAA and, most not too long ago, the Nationwide Collegiate Hockey Convention (NCHC) this summer time, head coach Greg Powers has put ASU able to succeed.
Powers, who has been head coach at Arizona State since 2010, has seen loads of expertise come by way of the system, with some notable ones together with Joey Daccord and Josh Doan.
What Do the NCAA Guidelines Say?
Whereas we’ve all seen what occurred with Utah Hockey Membership defenseman Artem Duda’s try and play on the College of Maine and the way that performed out, what do the NCAA guidelines say about Whitehead’s case? NCAA Bylaw 12.2.3.2 states that “a person shall not be eligible for intercollegiate athletics in a sport if the person ever competed on an expert staff.”
In August, Ontario Hockey League (OHL) participant Rylan Masterson challenged the rule and filed a proposed class motion lawsuit within the U.S. District Court docket of Western New York towards the NCAA and ten universities for what the swimsuit termed a “group boycott” of Canadian junior gamers.
Masterson’s lawsuit allowed Whitehead to observe in his footsteps and laid the groundwork for what might make a historic signing on the earth of junior hockey. “I form of hit the lottery with the timing of all that’s happening proper now,” Whitehead informed Wyshynski. “I believe [the suit] gave me that additional step simply to place myself on the market and check out one thing that’s by no means been achieved earlier than.”
Whereas rumors swirled, Whitehead introduced the transfer to his teammates Thursday earlier than he made it public on Friday morning. “I do know my teammates very well, and so they’re all the time supportive of pursuing new issues. As soon as I form of acquired the jitters out of the way in which, they had been all simply actually blissful,” Whitehead informed Wyshynski, including that there’s curiosity amongst a few of them to “observe in [his] footsteps” to NCAA commitments.
As talked about, each ASU and Whitehead are assured this might be achieved in time for the 2025-26 season, which might enable him to play for the Solar Devils.
Arizona State Persevering with to Develop
It appears the Solar Devils are getting larger and greater yearly. First, they secured a state-of-the-art barn in Mullett Area, joined the NCHC, and now doubtlessly have Whitehead for the 2025-26 season. Arizona State has loads of expertise all through the roster, which provides to the record. It must be plenty of enjoyable to look at as they tackle loads of outstanding opponents this season, together with Denver College, Michigan College, and Minnesota Duluth College.
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