SHL
The SHL (Swedish Hockey League) is the top ice hockey league in all of Sweden.
NCAA Division 3 (Men's)
NCAA Division 3 Men’s Hockey is a competitive collegiate level of ice hockey in the United States, sitting below NCAA Division 1.
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 3 (Men's)
NCAA Division 3 Men’s Hockey is a competitive collegiate level of ice hockey in the United States, sitting below NCAA Division 1. Alongside the quality level of hockey, NCAA D3 has a strong emphasis on academics and athletics. The majority of players at this level previously played high level juniors, prep school, and youth hockey levels for many years prior to moving into D3 Hockey.
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 3 (Men's)
"Playing D3 Hockey gave me the best of both worlds. I was able to play close to home and earn my degree all while playing at a high level. I credit my ability to play pro after college to the development I gained here."
Number of Teams in SHL: 14
Number of Teams in NCAA Division 3 (Men's): 93