Mestis vs SPHL

How would you compare/contrast Mestis and SPHL?

Although these leagues differ a lot in style, the overall level is pretty similar. You'll find solid players in both with the top portion of rosters being much stronger than the lower portion.

We compare these leagues based on years of scouting and feedback from players who've played in each.

Mestis

Mestis is the 2nd highest level of ice hockey in Finland.

SPHL

The SPHL is a minor professional ice hockey league based in the United States.

Location: Finland

Location: United States

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 SPHL

The SPHL is a minor professional hockey league in North America. As the 4rd highest level of pro ice hockey in North America, it sits below the ECHL and above the FPHL. The league was founded in 2004 with the majority of teams being based in the Southeastern portion of the United States.

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: SPHL

"Lifestyle wise, there are some good places to play in the SP. During my time in Pensacola and Macon, I enjoyed the level of play. Both fan bases were stellar along with the quality of living outside the arena makes it easier to grind in the minors here- golfing after practice, dining out, and warm weather during the winter!"

Number of Teams in Mestis: 12

Number of Teams in SPHL: 10

Caliber of Players and Imports in Mestis

As we mentioned above, the majority of players across Mestis are Finnish. This equates to less imports on each team throughout the league. The caliber of play in Mestis is good as it's filled with a mix of talented young players and veterans. The average age across all teams is young with team average ages ranging from 22 on the lower side and 25-26 average age on on the high end. In most cases, if you're an import here, teams will expect you to have some good pro experience or strong stats playing in NCAA/USports/etc. Since they're picky about imports in Mestis, this is especially the case.

Caliber of Players and Imports in SPHL

The skill level and ability of SPHL players continues to get higher every year. Years back, most guys coming out of the NCAA or even top junior clubs could cut it in the SPHL. Today, the landscape is more competitive with more college and junior players vying to continue playing at the next level. The far majority of SPHL rosters sport players with a mix of NCAA (D1 to D3), USports, high-end junior, or equivalent experience on their resume prior to them playing here. There's always a couple exceptions, but as mentioned already the bar is higher. The caliber of players across the league and roster depth is a bit lower than the ECHL above it and the FPHL below it.