Liiga vs NCAA D3

How would you compare/contrast Liiga and NCAA Division 3 (Men's)?

Liiga and NCAA Division 3 hockey are quite different in that Liiga is the top pro tier in Finland whereas NCAA D3 is a collegiate tier in the United States. Liiga is stronger overall skill wise and sits at the pro level, but head-to-head some of the top NCAA D3 teams would fare quite well against some lower Liiga clubs if they were to play in exhibition.

We have partners in the US and Finland and routinely scout games in each of these different levels. Our insights stem from this on the ground experience attending matches.

Liiga

Liiga is the top ice hockey league in Finland.

NCAA Division 3 (Men's)

NCAA Division 3 Men’s Hockey is a competitive collegiate level of ice hockey in the United States, sitting below NCAA Division 1.

Location: Finland

Location: United States

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 NCAA Division 3 (Men's)

NCAA Division 3 Men’s Hockey is a competitive collegiate level of ice hockey in the United States, sitting below NCAA Division 1. Alongside the quality level of hockey, NCAA D3 has a strong emphasis on academics and athletics. The majority of players at this level previously played high level juniors, prep school, and youth hockey levels for many years prior to moving into D3 Hockey.

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: NCAA Division 3 (Men's)

"Playing D3 Hockey gave me the best of both worlds. I was able to play close to home and earn my degree all while playing at a high level. I credit my ability to play pro after college to the development I gained here."

Number of Teams in Liiga: 15

Number of Teams in NCAA Division 3 (Men's): 93

Caliber of Players and Imports in Liiga

Skill level of Liiga players is extremely high, with only the best Finnish players moving up to the highest league. For imports, teams expect players in Europe with strong resumes and players from North America with high-end ECHL/AHL experience on their resumes. Some even have NHL games played. This shows the strength of the league.

Caliber of Players and Imports in NCAA Division 3 (Men's)

The level of play is quite high and it's quite competitive (especially in the top conferences- ex: SUNYAC). Look at most any NCAA D3 men's hockey roster and you'll find a lineup of players who all have either junior, prep school, or top level youth playing experience prior to them playing at the NCAA level. In recent years, more players coming out of the level are moving on to play professional both in N America and Europe after finishing school.