KHL vs NIHL

How would you compare/contrast KHL and NIHL?

The KHL sits a few levels above the UK's second league in the NIHL. There's a number of select imports on NIHL rosters with commendable playing experience, but the levels are on very different lines of the hockey spectrum.

Our agency has partners that scout each league so our insights on these leagues derives from this.

KHL

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

NIHL

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

Location: Primarily Russia + Belarus, Kazakstan, & China

Location: United Kingdom

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 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: 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: NIHL

"Playing in the NIHL allowed me to gain valuable experience and showcase my abilities as I was developing up to the pro level."

Number of Teams in KHL (Kontinental Hockey League): 23

Number of Teams in NIHL: 11

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 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).