Highly regarded Anaheim Ducks prospect Roger McQueen is making a significant move, transitioning from the Western Hockey League (WHL) to collegiate hockey within the NCAA.
Providence College officially confirmed on Wednesday that McQueen will be joining their men`s hockey team for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This commitment represents a pivotal development for both the promising player and the Friars` program.
Drafted 10th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in June, McQueen`s decision to play at Providence is a major acquisition. He becomes the first top-10 NHL draftee to commit to the program, and overall, he is the sixth first-round pick to join Providence, underscoring the elite talent he brings to the collegiate ranks.
The 18-year-old forward showcased impressive skill and offensive production last season with the WHL`s Brandon Wheat Kings, where he recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in just 17 games.
Throughout his 127-game career in the WHL, McQueen consistently demonstrated his capabilities, accumulating a total of 35 goals and 86 points.
His transfer to the U.S. college circuit for the 2025-26 season aligns with a recent trend among Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players. A rule modification enacted late last year now allows CHL players to be eligible for NCAA programs, and McQueen is among the latest high-profile talents to take advantage of this new pathway.