SHL vs NIHL

How would you compare/contrast SHL and NIHL?

SHL and NIHL contrast way more than they compare. The SHL is one of the top leagues globally hockey wise whereas the NIHL is more of a development league in the UK for up and coming players mixed in with a few strong imports. Head to head, the SHL easily takes the nod here.

We've had prior players in each of these two leagues and regularly scout matches in both countries each season.

SHL

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

NIHL

The National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) is a semi-professional ice hockey league in the United Kingdom.

Location: Sweden

Location: United Kingdom

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 NIHL

The NIHL is the second highest level of ice hockey in the UK, sitting directly under the EIHL. The league operates as a semi-professional league with many local UK players and some top-tier imports mixed in.

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: NIHL

"Playing in the NIHL allowed me to gain valuable experience and showcase my abilities." – Sam Gospel

Number of Teams in SHL: 14

Number of Teams in NIHL: 11

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 NIHL

The level of hockey isn't as high as the EIHL (top level), but there are some solid players across the league. Rosters are built up primarily with younger British players and some teams dedicate a portion of the clubs budget on bringing top imports over to greatly strengthen their teams and carry the load (veteran presence, point production, etc).