Mestis
Mestis is the 2nd highest level of ice hockey in Finland.
KHL
The KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) is the top professional ice hockey league in Russia.
Location: Primarily Russia + Belarus, Kazakstan, & China
Skill Level in Mestis
It's a quality 2nd league in a powerhouse hockey country. In general, Mestis is a slightly younger league with a lot of quality up-and-coming talent. Compared to other hockey countries, most clubs here don't have the same financial budgets that other 2nd leagues (HockeyAllsvenskan, DEL2) might have. The majority of players in the league are Finnish.
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.
Player Perspective: Mestis
"It's a good league with lot of young players coming up. We play in southern Finland (Södra) so our travel schedule is a bit lighter, but we keep busy between all training, matches, and team event. I have played in Liiga of course, but am happy here now raising a family in my home town."
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."
Number of Teams in Mestis: 12
Number of Teams in KHL (Kontinental Hockey League): 23