Liiga
Liiga is the top ice hockey league in Finland.
NAHL
The NAHL is the top and only Tier II junior hockey league in the United States with several dozen teams spread out across the country.
Skill Level in Liiga
Liiga is the highest professional hockey league in Finland. Founded in 1975, the league has 15 clubs that span from the South near Helsinki all the way up to the Arctic Circle. It's considered by many to be one of the stronger leagues in Europe.
Skill Level in NAHL
Founded in 1975, the NAHL today is considered to be the second strongest junior league in the United States (trailing only the USHL). The league has a reputation for producing numerous NCAA commitments each season. Alongside the few thousand players who've committed to NCAA over the decades, hundreds of alumni have made the jump to the professional ranks. A few dozen have made it to the NHL.
Player Perspective: Liiga
"Liiga is the perfect league to play in, especially as an import from North America who enjoys the physical play paired with skill. I'd agree that Liiga's caliber is up there with a number of the top leagues in Europe based on my experience also playing in Germany and Austria. The fans hear love their hockey.
Player Perspective: NAHL
"The NAHL gave me the opportuniy for collegiate programs to see my potential. I was a late bloomer in junior and the NAHL gave me that extra time to improve my game before moving up the the college level."
Number of Teams in Liiga: 15
Number of Teams in NAHL: 35