SHL vs NCAA D3

How would you compare/contrast SHL and NCAA Division 3 (Men's)?

SHL is a pro league whereas NCAA D3 is an amateur collegiate league so they differ quite a bit in this sense. SHL overall is much stronger in terms of skill/depth. NCAA Division 3 hockey continues to produce a lot of good players and some of the top ones move on to play in Europe after college.

We have partners in the US and Sweden and have a deep understanding of both tiers.

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.

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 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

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 3 (Men's)

The level of play is quite high and it's quite competitive (especially in the top conferences- ex: SUNYAC). Look at most any NCAA D3 men's hockey roster and you'll find a lineup of players who all have either junior, prep school, or top level youth playing experience prior to them playing at the NCAA level. In recent years, more players coming out of the level are moving on to play professional both in N America and Europe after finishing school.