Last Updated on December 2, 2024 by YGK News Staff
The Kingston Frontenacs announced the signing of forward Kieren Dervin to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement this week, one of the first players who has announced the changing their development path in the wake of the new agreement between the CHL and NCAA.
Dervin, who plays for St. Andrew’s College prep school and was selected 86th overall by the Fronts in 2023, committed to joining Penn State in November of 2023 – with the expectation of playing out his high school career at St. Andrew’s.
With the new agreement announced last week that will now allow CHL players to join NCAA programs after playing in the CHL the 2007 born forward from Gloucester can officially play in the OHL and maintain his NCAA eligibility.
In a release, GM Kory Cooper said the team is excited to have Dervin under contract and it’s something they’ve wanted to see happen for over a year since they drafted him.
He says next year the forward will be a full time member of the Frontenacs, but the OHL Eastern Conference leaders also hope to give him some game action before the end of the 2024-25 season.
“We have been working on getting him to Kingston since we drafted him . He is an elite skating centreman who has a skill set that should translate very well to our team style of play,” Cooper said.
“The intent is to have him play some games with the Frontenacs this season, and ultimately have him join the Frontenacs full-time for the 2025-26 season. We look forward to getting him to Kingston and continuing his development as a player.”
Dervin previously would have sacrificed his NCAA eligibility by playing in a CHL game.
While the Frontenacs are taking advantage of the new agreement between the NCAA and CHL going forward, one of their current players has also become one of the first current CHL players to announce their intent of joining the NCAA.
Cedrick Guindon, a former Montreal Canadiens draft pick and first year Frontenac, also announced this week that he was committing to the University of Vermont.
Guindon formerly would have been unable to play in the NCAA, and would more likely have been looking to join a Canadian USports team or continue his career in Europe after having his rights relinquished by the Canadiens.
The Frontenacs play two games this weekend, firstly welcoming the London Knights to Slush Puppie Place on Friday night at 7.
