United Kingdom

Learn how to play hockey in
United Kingdom

Play ice hockey across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, where tradition meets diversity.

From London's global energy to Scotland's rugged highlands, the UK offers incredible history, pub culture, and a smooth no language barrier for North Americans. The hockey scene is growing (across the EIHL and NIHL) with passionate communities across the country. You'll find familiar cultural touchstones mixed with British charm.

It's an easy adjustment with plenty of hockey opportunities at various levels.

Ex-pat Friendliness:

Very High
English is the dominant language that's used across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Import players face no language barrier, though regional accents can vary significantly across the country.

Cost of Living:

Moderate to High End
The average cost of living in the UK is higher than the average across Europe. This comes with being set in such a great location. Most players aren't eating these costs though as clubs cover the majority of these cost of living expenses (housing, utilities, car/gas, etc).

Weather/Climate:

Diverse (Regional)
Temperate maritime with mild wet winters (38-48°F/3-9°C) and cool summers (59-70°F/15-21°C). Rain is frequent snow is rare except in Scotland. Grey skies are common.

Proximity of Travel:

Island Gateway

Paris is a few hours by train , Dublin as well, a 1 hour flight to Amsterdam. The Highlands in Scotland and Ireland are all within easy reach.

It's definitely a gateway to a number of regions around Europe.

Hockey Culture:

Established

Hockey across the UK is growing, with passionate communities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Many of the clubs draw good crowds and the sport continues to build momentum each year.

Leagues

The top league in the UK is the EIHL (Elite Ice Hockey League).

The second senior tier is called the NIHL.

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