ECHL vs EliteHockey Ligaen (Norway)

How would you compare/contrast ECHL and EliteHockey Ligaen (Norway)?

These two leagues vary a bit in style of play and of course location as well, but they're a bit similar in level with the ECHL overall maybe being a bit higher because of overall depth of rosters. A number of quality ECHL players have gone on to play in Norway's top league and produced well there which shows the level in each of these two leagues. Both leagues can make for great places to play if you have the ability to play here.

ECHL vs EliteHockey Ligaen (Norway) comparison

We've been scouting these two leagues for many years. Players of ours having previously played in each of the leagues.

ECHL

The ECHL is a minor professional ice hockey league. It is North America's 3rd highest level of pro hockey sitting under the AHL and NHL.

EliteHockey Ligaen (Norway)

EliteHockey Ligaen is Norway's premier professional ice hockey league. The league was founded in 1934

Location: North America

Location: Norway

Skill Level in ECHL

The ECHL is the main AA professional ice hockey league in North America. As the 3rd highest level of pro ice hockey in North America, it sits directly under the AHL and above the SPHL. The far majority of ECHL clubs have direct affiliations with NHL clubs and it's a big development league for players aiming to move up the pro ranks to the AHL and NHL.

Skill Level in EliteHockey Ligaen (Norway)

The EliteHockey Ligaen is the highest level of ice hockey in Norway, featuring teams and a combination of top domestic talent and highly skilled international import players.

Player Perspective: ECHL

"Playing in the Coast was important for my career coming out of college. My time grinding here in the league helped me further develop my game and to mature as I prepared for that next level of pro. That jump may not have been possible without my experience here."

Player Perspective: EliteHockey Ligaen (Norway)

"The level of play is a great to develop and pushed my game as I moved over to European hockey. Away from the arena, Norwegian life is as good as it gets."

Number of Teams in ECHL: 28

Number of Teams in EliteHockey Ligaen (Norway): 10

Caliber of Players and Imports in ECHL

Skill level of ECHL players is quite high, with the league only getting more skilled each year as more NHL/AHL clubs fill rosters here with up and coming prospects. A healthy percentage of ECHL rosters are filled with promising young players who have hopes to step up to the A and National league. You also have a number of seasoned veterans who possess many games in the ECHL, AHL, and a few who've had some cups of coffee in The Show (NHL). If you're undrafted and not a top major junior, NCAA, USports, or elite European player coming in, you'll have a tough time cracking a lineup here.

Caliber of Players and Imports in EliteHockey Ligaen (Norway)

Norwegian players dominate rosters, but a few imports are key contributors on most clubs. Those imports typically have prior playing experience in ECHL/AHL, NCAA, or other mid-tier European leagues. Teams are selective about signing imports with strong resumes.