SHL vs HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1

hockeyettan hockey logo

How would you compare/contrast SHL and HockeyEttan- Sweden Division 1?

These leagues are more different than they are alike. They compare in that the majority of rostered players are Swedish, but they sit at two vastly different levels with the second tier of Swedish hockey, Allsvenskan, sitting in between them. The SHL is not only the top level in Sweden, but is considered a top 5 league globally. HockeyEttan is a strong third league and they can attract some impressive imports to star on their rosters, but the depth and skill from top to bottom of rosters here differs quite a bit when comparing these levels.
SHL vs HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1 comparison
We have scouted and have had players in each of these leagues over the years. Our insights on these leagues comes from this.
WANT TO PLAY AT THE NEXT LEVEL? CLICK HERE

Leagues At A Glance

hockeyettan hockey logo

SHL

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

HockeyEttan- Sweden Division 1

HockeyEttan, also known as Sweden Division 1, is the third tier of ice hockey in Sweden.

Location: Sweden

Location: Sweden

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 HockeyEttan

HockeyEttan is Sweden’s third-tier league, with a few dozen teams divided regionally from the South near Stockholm up to the North near the start of the Arctic Circle. HockeyEttan acts both as a developmental league for young players and a majority of teams also roster several imports to further strengthen their rosters each season.

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: HockeyEttan

"HockeyEttan provided the perfect environment for me to hone my skills and gain exposure. Our team had a number of veteran players who I learned a great deal from."

Number of Teams in SHL: 14

Number of Teams in HockeyEttan: 36

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 HockeyEttan- Sweden Division 1

sweden division 1 hockeyettan level of play photo
For third tier leagues in Europe, it's one of the very best due to how strong Sweden is as a hockey country overall. Rosters here are comprised of up and coming talent aiming to move up, a handful of experience imports, and experienced Swedish players who continue playing locally at the Sweden Division 1 level.
WANT TO PLAY AT THE NEXT LEVEL? CLICK HERE

More League Comparisons