FAQ

FAQ

These are some of our most frequently asked questions:

At what age can I enrol in one of the EUCHL Universities?

The EUCHL allows student athletes age eighteen to twenty six.  Each player is afforded a maximum of six years of EUCHL eligibility in order to allow time for completion of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Are these universities similar to those in North America?

Not only are many of them similar, some have working agreements with North American universities. USA universities are historically 4 year degrees. WU - Vienna University is a 3 year Bachelors Degree with opportunity to get a masters. 

Does everyone speak English?

Each member team has degree paths that are taught in English.  Most students and professors in Europe will speak English as a second or third language.  Student bodies are very culturally diverse. Europe is seen globally as a place where Education is at the highest levels available.

What are the student athlete living conditions like?

All student athletes are required to live in dormatory housing, similar to domatories in North America.  Blending in with the rest of each university student body is part of the life and educational experience.

How many games will the EUCHL play?

Each team will play two exhibition and 30 regular season games.  The regular season will begin in the first week of October and will end by the end of March.  Playoffs will conclude by the end of April.

Can I transfer my college credits from Canada or the United States?

In general yes.  The university will make the final decision on which credits transfer during the admissions process if you are currently taking university courses. 

How do student athletes stay in Europe during the academic year?

Every EUCHL student athlete will receive a student visa through the university they are attending.  The university will help in that process as part of the admissions process.

Is it safe to attend university in Europe?

Not only is Europe safe, but it is arguably safer than North America.  Each EUCHL campus is well lit, in a large city, with a long record of having safe classrooms, neighborhoods and dormitories. Vienna, Austria is regarded as one of the most safe cities in the world with beautiful scenery and history. 

What about womens hockey?

The EUCHL is planning on adding a womens division in the future.

What can I expect as a student athlete?

As a student athlete you can expect to be held to the same academic standards as you would as an NCAA student athlete.  You can expect very similar rules of play when compared to NCAA hockey.  Academic standards for student athletes require passing grades, and attendance in the classroom.  Games will be played on weekends, so as to not interupt the student athletes performance in the classroom.  Travel will be provided by private coach, and the longest road trip in 2026 is approximately six hours, which will only be made twice per team.

Will games be broadcast for our families to watch online?

Yes.  All games will be available online live and on demand. The streaming platform will be announced prior to the season. 

Are Major Junior (CHL) players eligible to play in the EUCHL?

Yes, provided that they have not played a single NHL, AHL, ECHL or other professional league game.  This includes preseason games, or playoff assignments from an NHL drafted player.  It is up to each CHL club to determine if they will allow you to use your education packages in Europe.

Are sticks and equipment provided?

Sticks are provided through team supplier. That supplier will be announced soon. Helmets, gloves, jerseys, shells, socks and apparel will all be provided to Crown players. 


*********MORE INFORMATION ON EUCHL***********

The European Union College Hockey League (EUCHL) Launching October 2026

The European College Hockey League (EUCHL) will officially launch in October 2026, introducing a groundbreaking opportunity for student-athletes seeking both elite academics and high-level hockey in Europe.

The league was created in direct response to the NCAA rule changes introduced in October 2024, which permitted Major Junior players to pursue NCAA opportunities. While this policy shift expanded options for some, it also created significant challenges for American- and Canadian-born players who were already pursuing the traditional NCAA pathway. Increased competition for roster spots, coupled with NCAA Division I roster limitations and the reduction of partial scholarship opportunities, has left many players with fewer options to continue their athletic and academic careers.

The EUCHL addresses this gap by offering a premier alternative. Designed specifically for those players impacted by the NCAA’s evolving landscape, the league combines world-class education with competitive hockey and a clear pathway to European professional leagues.

Key Features of the EUCHL:

  • Academic Excellence: All EUCHL programs are hosted by accredited, English-speaking universities with academic structures modeled closely after those in the United States and Canada. Players can earn a Bachelor’s degree in three or four years and a Master’s degree in five or six years. Most families will be able to use existing 529 college savings plans toward EUCHL tuition.

  • Affordable and Transparent Costs: For the 2026–2027 academic year, the cost of attendance at any EUCHL university is set below twenty thousand USD. This includes tuition, housing, and all hockey-related expenses—equipment such as sticks included.

  • Cultural and Athletic Experience: Student-athletes will benefit from vibrant dorm life, student activities, and immersion in dynamic European cities—an experience unmatched in North America.

  • Professional Hockey Exposure: Every EUCHL program is either located within a professional arena or within an hour’s travel of one. League games will be strategically scheduled in partnership with professional teams, ensuring maximum scouting visibility for EUCHL players.

  • Transfer Opportunities: The EUCHL welcomes transfer students from both NCAA Division I and Division III programs.

By combining academic rigor, controlled costs, international cultural immersion, and direct exposure to European professional hockey, the EUCHL establishes itself as a premier destination for ambitious players seeking the next step in their athletic and educational journey.

We look forward to next season in Austria, Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia.