SHL vs SPHL

How would you compare/contrast SHL and SPHL?

SHL is a lot stronger league than the SPHL overall in terms of caliber. The SPHL continues getting stronger with more players wanting to continue playing, but it's not as high as the SHL is strength wise as a league. There is naturally more fighting and physical style play in the SP than in Sweden in the SHL.

We've had players who've played matches in each of these leagues. Additionally, our partners on the ground have deep knowledge on each respective level.

SHL

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

SPHL

The SPHL is a minor professional ice hockey league based in the United States.

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 SPHL

The SPHL is a minor professional hockey league in North America. As the 4rd highest level of pro ice hockey in North America, it sits below the ECHL and above the FPHL. The league was founded in 2004 with the majority of teams being based in the Southeastern portion of the United States.

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: SPHL

"Lifestyle wise, there are some good places to play in the SP. During my time in Pensacola and Macon, I enjoyed the level of play. Both fan bases were stellar along with the quality of living outside the arena makes it easier to grind in the minors here- golfing after practice, dining out, and warm weather during the winter!"

Number of Teams in SHL: 14

Number of Teams in SPHL: 10

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 SPHL

The skill level and ability of SPHL players continues to get higher every year. Years back, most guys coming out of the NCAA or even top junior clubs could cut it in the SPHL. Today, the landscape is more competitive with more college and junior players vying to continue playing at the next level. The far majority of SPHL rosters sport players with a mix of NCAA (D1 to D3), USports, high-end junior, or equivalent experience on their resume prior to them playing here. There's always a couple exceptions, but as mentioned already the bar is higher. The caliber of players across the league and roster depth is a bit lower than the ECHL above it and the FPHL below it.