Liiga
Liiga is the top ice hockey league in Finland.
USHL
The USHL is the top junior ice hockey league in the United States. The league has helped produce hundreds of NHL and even more NCAA and professional players.
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 USHL
The USHL, a Tier I junior hockey league, features 16 teams across the middle of the United States. Founded back in 1947, the league today serves as a top developmental path to NCAA and pro hockey and is unanimously considered the top junior league in the US.
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: USHL
"Playing in the USHL played an instrumental role in my development on the ice and as a person. I credit much of my success later in NCAA and now pro to my years in junior."
Number of Teams in Liiga: 15
Number of Teams in USHL: 16