SHL vs NCAA D1

How would you compare/contrast SHL and NCAA Division 1 (Mens)?

SHL is the top pro league in Sweden and NCAA D1 is the top collegiate level in N America so they are very different in that sense. In terms of caliber, you'll find strong players across rosters on both leagues. A number of top NCAA D1 players who go on to play in Europe may play in one of the top Sweden leagues one day if their skill level is there. In order to play in SHL, they either need to be an elite NCAA D1 player (potentially with pro experience after college in the ECHL/AHL/NHL).

We've helped work with players who've played in each of these levels and our partners scout both levels.

SHL

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

NCAA Division 1 (Mens)

NCAA Division 1 Hockey is the top level of collegiate men's hockey in the United States.

Location: Sweden

Location: United States

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 NCAA Division 1 (Men's)

NCAA Division 1 Men’s Hockey is the top level of collegiate ice hockey in the United States, featuring elite collegiate players. The level of competition is strong. Many of top junior, prep school, and U18 players around the globe who want to go the NCAA route strive to play here 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: NCAA Division 1 (Men's)

"Playing NCAA hockey was the best preparation I could have had for my professional career. I was able to mature and gain more confidence too. The level of competition is intense."

Number of Teams in SHL: 14

Number of Teams in NCAA Division 1 (Men's): 64

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 NCAA Division 1 (Mens)

The skill level in NCAA D1 is exceptionally high. The far majority of players are coming from top junior leagues, prep schools, and a number of international teams (European players). Many rosters have a number of players who are NHL draft picks. If not draft picks, players across rosters each have solid hockey resumes and notable playing experience. Only top-tier players have the chance to compete at this level.