Hockeytvåan- Sweden Division 2 vs NIHL

How would you compare/contrast Hockeytvåan- Sweden Division 2 and NIHL?

Hockeytvåan sits as the 4th highest level in Sweden while NIHL is the 2nd highest in the UK. Although it’d be impossible to broadly grade these leagues head to head without matches against each other, it’s safe to say that both the leagues and the caliber of players in them is quite similar. The style of play in Sweden Division to is more about speed and finesse and in the NIHL, it’s more gritty and physical.

Hockeytvåan- Sweden Division 2 vs NIHL comparison

Our agency partners have spent considerable time scouting matches in Sweden and the UK in these levels. Are understanding comes directly from this experience.

Hockeytvåan- Sweden Division 2

Hockeytvåan (Sweden Division 2) is the fourth level 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 Hockeytvåan

Hockeytvåan is Sweden’s fourth-tier league. The league is large in number of teams with many teams being based in smaller cities/regions. Teams carry many local Swedish players and clubs in the league often carry a number of imports too at this level.

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: Hockeytvåan

"Competing here in Hockeytvåan is a great way to continue playing at a competitive level closer to home, while balancing other commitments and family."

Player Perspective: NIHL

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

Number of Teams in Hockeytvåan: 86

Number of Teams in NIHL: 11

Caliber of Players and Imports in Hockeytvåan- Sweden Division 2

With a bit smaller budgets that the top Swedish leagues for most teams, rosters naturally are composed with many local Swedish players who live in the region. Many are still quality ice hockey players with some spending time at the higher tiers. A number of Division 2 teams have a bit larger budgets and sponsors. These clubs often bring over numerous import players each season to bring added skill & experience to their club.

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).