SHL vs OHL

They are both elite leagues in their own way, but they are very different in that SHL is the top-tier pro league in Sweden whereas the OHL is for players aged 16-20 and is one of the three major junior leagues that makes up the Canadian Hockey League. You'll find high skilled players in both, but they'll be at different stages in their careers.

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.