KHL vs HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1

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

The KHL sits at a higher level than HockeyEttan does in the 3rd tier in Sweden. You'll find a handful of imports and locals in HockeyEttan that could hold their own on the ice with some KHL players if they were head to head, but for the rest of the HockeyEttan roster, it's quite a step below.

KHL vs HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1 comparison

Our agency teams been scouting games here for well over a decade.

KHL

The KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) is the top professional ice hockey league in Russia.

HockeyEttan- Sweden Division 1

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

Location: Primarily Russia + Belarus, Kazakstan, & China

Location: Sweden

Skill Level in KHL (Kontinental Hockey League)

The KHL is not only the top league in Russia, but it is widely considered to be one of the best leagues in the world after the NHL. The leagues clubs roster best in class Russian players as well as some of the most elite import players from around the globe.

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: KHL (Kontinental Hockey League)

"The travel schedule in season is demanding and long, especially in the heart of winter. Until you're here, I don't think most people realize how long it takes to fly from one side of Russia to the other. The level of hockey is top notch. You hear varied perspectives from players who've spent time there, but my personal time as an import in the KHL was positive all around. Our team treated us well in my full season there."

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 KHL (Kontinental Hockey League): 23

Number of Teams in HockeyEttan: 36

Caliber of Players and Imports in KHL

The caliber of players in the KHL is set at a high bar. Many consider the KHL the 2nd or 3rd strongest leagues in the world following the National Hockey League. Due to this, the level of players matches this and only the most elite of Russian players ever make it to the K and stick for a duration. In terms of imports who play here, most every import here possesses strong resumes with either a few cups of coffee in the NHL, notable time in the AHL/ECHL where they were a top player there, or strong experience in another one of Europe's top leagues prior to transitioning here.

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.