Kitchener Ranger commits to NCAA team

Rangers goaltender signs with NCAA hockey team Jackson Parsons, goaltender for the Kitchener Rangers, is the first OHL player to commit to a NCAA team. Colton Wiens has more.

Hours after the NCAA Division I Council announced a rule change that allows CHL players to be eligible to play in their hockey programs, Kitchener Rangers goalie Jackson Parsons became the first OHL player to announce a commitment to an NCAA team.

Parsons has committed to play for the Clarkson University Golden Knights in Potsdam, New York during the 2025-26 season.

“Such a cool feeling, especially being able to call myself a golden Knight for Clarkson. It's an awesome feeling. I'm excited to see what the future holds,” Parsons said. “They've got an awesome hockey program there. The schooling aspect of it too. I pride myself on being a pretty good student. I've heard lots of good things about their academics.”

Parsons, who hails from Embrun, Ont., turns 20-years-old on Nov. 23. Parsons said he looks forward to playing so close to his hometown.

“So being an hour and a half away from games, that'll mean that my family will be able to come up to see a lot more of my game,” Parsons said.

He was the Rangers third-round, 53rd overall pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

This season, Parsons has a 10-3-1 record, 2.55 goals against average and 0.909 save percentage.

Knowing this is his final OHL season, Parsons said this next move just makes sense.

“Not only play a very high level of hockey, but also get an education. I think it's really the best of both worlds. I'm excited to see who else joins,” Parsons said.

Previously, the NCAA considered CHL players professionals because they receive a stipend of up to $600 per month for living expenses. Last week, the NCAA Division I Council amended those rules, allowing prospects who play for major junior ice hockey teams to retain their eligibility, as long as those players are not paid more than necessary expenses.

“The second that Clarkson was interested, it was a yes,” Parsons said.

Parsons was named OHL Goalie of the Week on Nov. 4. While he has his eyes set on a professional career, he said this extra time is important for his development.

“Goalies take longer to develop. This is a tremendous opportunity for me to continue my path to the NHL,” Parsons said.

According to former Kitchener Ranger and 2003 Memorial Cup champion Scott Dickie, this is something he would have explored when his OHL career ended.

“I, for sure, would have explored that. I think it's a needed opportunity,” Dickie said.

When his time ended with the Rangers, Dickie said he saw too many professional players in the minors that had no other way to support themselves. He thinks not only does this new rule give players the chance to experience what D1 NCAA schools have to offer, it also prepares them for the future.

“Have success, or at least recognize that I'm not good enough to play professional hockey, but now I have a degree that I maybe wouldn't have got or would have been different using my OHL educational package,” Dickie said.

The NCAA’s move also follows a proposed class action lawsuit, filed in August by Rylan Masterson, who lost his NCAA eligibility after playing in two exhibition games with the Windsor Spitfires.

OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford applauded the change, writing in an open letter about the announcement, “This is a landmark decision that gives OHL players additional avenues and opportunities to pursue their hockey, academic and life goals upon graduation from our league.”

“It also opens the OHL’s doors to talented young student athletes with NCAA aspirations, providing them the opportunity to take their game to the next level in the number one development league in the world.”

The rule change goes into effect on Aug. 1, 2025.

When it comes to protectors of the pipes, the NCAA route is strong. Guys like Connor Hellebuyck, Casey DeSmith, Spencer Knight, Charlie Lindgren, Jake Oettinger, Jonathan Quick, Jeremy Swayman, Cam Talbot and Joseph Woll all played NCAA and are currently in the NHL. There are currently 15 NCAA goalie graduates on NHL rosters. The OHL has produced eight and only three of them are Canadians.

Maples Leaf’s goalie Anthony Stolarz started in the NCAA and finished with the London Knights. Parsons will be the first goaltender to do the opposite.

For Parsons, it’s bittersweet to leave Ranger Nation at the end of this season, but he's thankful for the experience he's had.

“It's an unbelievable experience to be a Kitchener Ranger and I wouldn't trade it for the world,” Parsons said.