AHL vs HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1

ahl logo
hockeyettan hockey logo

How would you compare/contrast AHL and HockeyEttan- Sweden Division 1?

The A is a much stronger league in comparing it with HockeyEttan. Many HockeyEttan clubs carry a few select imports with good experience, but the overall level of teams in HockeyEttan doesn't come close to the AHL depth wise.
AHL vs HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1 comparison
Our team and partners have scouted both of these leagues for many years. Our insights comes from this.

Leagues At A Glance

ahl logo
hockeyettan hockey logo

AHL

The AHL is a professional ice hockey league. It is North America's 2nd highest level of pro hockey sitting directly below the NHL.

HockeyEttan- Sweden Division 1

HockeyEttan, also known as Sweden Division 1, is the third tier of ice hockey in Sweden.

Location: North America

Location: Sweden

Skill Level in American Hockey League

The AHL (American Hockey League) is a professional hockey league based in North America. It's the 2nd highest level of pro ice hockey in North America, sitting only below the NHL. The level of play here is quite high with it just being a small step away from the best league in the world. Not only is it a highly skilled league and natural proving ground for aspiring NHL players, but it's one of the toughest and most physical leagues to play in across the board.

Skill Level in HockeyEttan

HockeyEttan is Sweden’s third-tier league, with a few dozen teams divided regionally from the South near Stockholm up to the North near the start of the Arctic Circle. HockeyEttan acts both as a developmental league for young players and a majority of teams also roster several imports to further strengthen their rosters each season.

Player Perspective: American Hockey League

"The Jungle (AHL) is what a lot of us players call a meat grinder. During the season, the travel schedule is demanding too. Every team has guys that can play in the NHL and guys that can fight. Many have both. To me, it's a great way to gain experience and prepare for the NHL when you hopefully get that call."

Player Perspective: HockeyEttan

"HockeyEttan provided the perfect environment for me to hone my skills and gain exposure. Our team had a number of veteran players who I learned a great deal from."

Number of Teams in American Hockey League: 32

Number of Teams in HockeyEttan: 36

Caliber of Players and Imports in AHL

The skill level of AHL players is extremely high and it's the primary development league for the NHL. Each AHL roster is filled with talented up and coming players (most drafted, some undrafted) who aim to make their way up to the main NHL club one way. Many seasoned veterans have already put in the time in the AHL and some have spent quality time in the NHL but didn't stick for one reason or another (they're still exceptional players). You'll also find some top tier European players mixed in as well who are on various NHL contracts.

Caliber of Players and Imports in HockeyEttan- Sweden Division 1

sweden division 1 hockeyettan level of play photo
For third tier leagues in Europe, it's one of the very best due to how strong Sweden is as a hockey country overall. Rosters here are comprised of up and coming talent aiming to move up, a handful of experience imports, and experienced Swedish players who continue playing locally at the Sweden Division 1 level.

More League Comparisons