HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1 vs NIHL

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

HockeyEttan is the third highest level in Sweden whereas the NIHL is the second highest in the UK. With Sweden being one of the strongest hockey countries in the world, HockeyEttan sits as a bit stronger league overall than NIHL. You’ll find some quality hockey and some impressive import resumes based on the level in NIHL, but the overall local depth and skill of players in Sweden is higher. Budgets across these leagues can vary greatly, but a number of clubs in each league can compensate imports well whereas local players may not be making as much if they play locally. NIHL is a more physical league as well as that is the breed of hockey the UK hockey system has adopted from N American hockey over the seasons.

HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1 vs NIHL comparison

Our partners have scouted each league for many years and we have players in both leagues. Our insights here derive from this on the ground knowledge of each hockey league.

HockeyEttan- Sweden Division 1

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

NIHL

The National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) is a semi-professional ice hockey league in the United Kingdom.

Location: Sweden

Location: United Kingdom

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.

Skill Level in NIHL

The NIHL is the second highest level of ice hockey in the UK, sitting directly under the EIHL. The league operates as a semi-professional league with many local UK players and some top-tier imports mixed in.

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."

Player Perspective: NIHL

"Playing in the NIHL allowed me to gain valuable experience and showcase my abilities." – Sam Gospel

Number of Teams in HockeyEttan: 36

Number of Teams in NIHL: 11

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.

Caliber of Players and Imports in NIHL

The level of hockey isn't as high as the EIHL (top level), but there are some solid players across the league. Rosters are built up primarily with younger British players and some teams dedicate a portion of the clubs budget on bringing top imports over to greatly strengthen their teams and carry the load (veteran presence, point production, etc).