SHL vs OHL

How would you compare/contrast SHL and ?

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.
SHL vs OHL comparison
Our team has several scouts in Scandinavia and Canada who understand each of these tiers well. In addition, we've spoken with players (some clients of ours) who've spent time in each league previously.

Leagues At A Glance

SHL

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

Location: Sweden

Location:

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

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:

Number of Teams in SHL: 14

Number of Teams in :

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

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