Liiga vs Norwegian First Division

How would you compare/contrast Liiga and Norwegian First Division?

Liiga is a much stronger tier than Norwegian First Division head to head. Liiga is the premier pro league in Finland whereas First Division in Norway is moreso a feeder league to Norway's top league.

Liiga vs Norwegian First Division comparison

We scout matches across both of these leagues and understand the different levels well.

Liiga

Liiga is the top ice hockey league in Finland.

Norwegian First Division

Norway's First Division is the second-tier ice hockey league in the country, serving heavily as a competitive developmental league.

Location: Finland

Location: Norway

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 Norwegian First Division

The Norwegian First Division serves as the second tier of ice hockey in all of Norway, with many teams focused on developing players for the top-tier EliteHockey Ligaen. A number of clubs will carry a couple imports as top players.

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: Norwegian First Division

"It’s a good league for younger Norwegian players and there are also few import and veteran guys that are quite skilled."

Number of Teams in Liiga: 15

Number of Teams in Norwegian First Division: 8

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 Norwegian First Division

Norwegian First Division level of players image

Primarily Norwegian players fill rosters, with occasional imports expected to have solid stats coming out of minor pro or college hockey. Teams definitely emphasize player development for Norwegian talent to make up the bulk of rosters.