SHL vs DEL

How would you compare/contrast SHL and DEL?

In these two leagues, you have two of the strongest hockey leagues in all of Europe. Head to head, you may get some people giving the SHL the slight nod, but in our scouting, we call this a coin flip based on how strong the level is in each. To give readers a sense, you could place top teams in each league against an NHL club in exhibition and you'd likely see a strong match. Where these two leagues compare in their high caliber, they differ in the style of hockey. Though the DEL is a highly skilled league, the game is a bit more physical and hard nosed in terms of how it's played when comparing it to the SHL. In all, these are two great leagues in their own right.

Our team has several scouts in Scandinavia and Germany who understand each of these leagues well. In addition, we've had several former (and current) players in each respective league.

SHL

The SHL (Swedish Hockey League) is the top ice hockey league in all of Sweden.

DEL

The Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) is Germany's top-tier professional ice hockey league, known for its high level of play and strong fan base.

Location: Sweden

Location: Germany

Skill Level in SHL

The Swedish Hockey League is one of the premier ice hockey leagues in the world following the NHL and maybe KHL, AHL.

Skill Level in DEL

Founded in 1994, the DEL is Germany’s premier ice hockey league, featuring 14 teams. It attracts both domestic and international players, offering a highly competitive environment.

Player Perspective: SHL

"The SHL is the real deal. After my playing career in the AHL which included a couple dozen games up in the National (NHL), I decided to move over to Europe to finish out my playing career. My wife and I wanted to experience a new place while I kept playing so the timing was perfect. The skill and speed of the game in Sweden was up there with any league and I greatly enjoyed my two seasons there."

Player Perspective: DEL

"Playing in the DEL in Germany was my favorite league to play in overseas as an import. The level of play was high, plus the fanbases at most arenas make the environment second to none."

Number of Teams in SHL: 14

Number of Teams in DEL: 14

Caliber of Players and Imports in SHL

The skill level of players in the SHL is extremely high. Only the top-tier players from junior programs and lower divisions make it to the top league in Sweden. In terms of imports, you'll need to either be a top NCAA D1 player or spend significant time in the pros playing well in the ECHL up to the AHL/NHL level to cut it in the Swedish Hockey League. If you're based in Europe, you better be ripping up numbers to attract team attention here. We've heard of a number of NHL veterans who came over at the tail ends of their careers and struggled to keep up with the fast pace. There's a reason it's considered one of the best leagues in all of Europe.

Caliber of Players and Imports in DEL

The level of players in DEL is high. In years past, DEL clubs have held their own in exhibition games versus NHL clubs. Rosters are made up of a blend of German nationals and a select number of international imports who range from ex-AHL/NHL players and top level European players. This added strength of imports throughout the league definitely contributes to the high skill level combined with strong German players.