SHL vs Hockeytvaan- Sweden Division 2

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How would you compare/contrast SHL and Hockeytvaan- Sweden Division 2?

SHL and Hockeytvåan are very different leagues. In the SHL, you have the top-tier professional league in Sweden. In Hockeytvåan, you have the fourth tier of hockey that sits more as an amateur/semi-pro type of level where you have a couple strong imports and experienced Swedish players on each roster, but it's not the same caliber per each team when comparing the two head-to-head.
SHL vs Hockeytvåan- Sweden Division 2 comparison
Our team scouts matches across Sweden, including both of these leagues. We've also had a good number of players with games played here who've given us their added first-hand insights.
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Leagues At A Glance

sweden division 2 hockey logo

SHL

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

Hockeytvaan- Sweden Division 2

Hockeytvåan (Sweden Division 2) is the fourth level 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 Hockeytvåan

Hockeytvåan is Sweden’s fourth-tier league. The league is large in number of teams with many teams being based in smaller cities/regions. Teams carry many local Swedish players and clubs in the league often carry a number of imports too at this level.

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: Hockeytvåan

"Competing here in Hockeytvåan is a great way to continue playing at a competitive level closer to home, while balancing other commitments and family."

Number of Teams in SHL: 14

Number of Teams in Hockeytvåan: 86

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 Hockeytvaan- Sweden Division 2

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With a bit smaller budgets that the top Swedish leagues for most teams, rosters naturally are composed with many local Swedish players who live in the region. Many are still quality ice hockey players with some spending time at the higher tiers. A number of Division 2 teams have a bit larger budgets and sponsors. These clubs often bring over numerous import players each season to bring added skill & experience to their club.
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