AHL vs Regionalliga

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regionalliga hockey logo

How would you compare/contrast AHL and Regionalliga?

The AHL is a much higher tier than Regionalliga is. There's a couple talented local and import players on many Regionalliga rosters, but the overall level is much higher league wise in the AHL.
AHL vs Regionalliga comparison
We have scouted each of these differing leagues based on various partners in North America and in Germany in the lower tiers.
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Leagues At A Glance

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regionalliga 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.

Regionalliga

The Regionalliga is the fourth-tier ice hockey league in Germany, featuring amateur and semi-professional teams across various regions.

Location: North America

Location: Germany

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 Regionalliga

The Regionalliga serves as Germany’s fourth-tier league, featuring 36 amateur and semi-professional teams. It emphasizes community-based competition.

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: Regionalliga

"Playing in the Regionalliga allowed me to continue my passion for competitive hockey while pursuing my studies and then entering the business world in my career. Several players on our team have previously played in the top leagues here in Germany so they bring a ton to the table for us."

Number of Teams in American Hockey League: 32

Number of Teams in Regionalliga: 44

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 Regionalliga

regionalliga hockey level of play
The majority of Regionalliga rosters are made up of German players. Many teams carry a small number of high quality imports to both bring strength and veteran leadership to their clubs on and off the ice.
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