AHL vs PHL (Polish Hockey League)

How would you compare/contrast AHL and PHL (Polish Hockey League)?

The Polish League continues to get stronger, but head to head it sits below the AHL which is one of the strongest leagues globally. You'll find a select number of imports in Poland's top league with AHL/NHL playing experience, but the roster depth as you go to the lower half of rosters doesn't match the A.

AHL vs PHL (Polish Hockey League) comparison

We scout each of the leagues each year and former players and partners have experience playing in both leagues.

AHL

The AHL is a professional ice hockey league. It is North America's 2nd highest level of pro hockey sitting directly below the NHL.

PHL (Polish Hockey League)

The Polska Hokej Liga (PHL) is the top professional ice hockey league in Poland, featuring the nation's top hockey clubs and players.

Location: North America

Location: Poland

Skill Level in American Hockey League

The AHL (American Hockey League) is a professional hockey league based in North America. It's the 2nd highest level of pro ice hockey in North America, sitting only below the NHL. The level of play here is quite high with it just being a small step away from the best league in the world. Not only is it a highly skilled league and natural proving ground for aspiring NHL players, but it's one of the toughest and most physical leagues to play in across the board.

Skill Level in PHL

The PHL (Polska Hokej Liga- Polish Hockey League) is Poland’s top hockey league. The league continues to grow steadily in quality each year in big part by attracting more international imports across many clubs.

Player Perspective: American Hockey League

"The Jungle (AHL) is what a lot of us players call a meat grinder. During the season, the travel schedule is demanding too. Every team has guys that can play in the NHL and guys that can fight. Many have both. To me, it's a great way to gain experience and prepare for the NHL when you hopefully get that call."

Player Perspective: PHL

"As an import, Poland was a good place for me to begin playing overseas. The training over here reminds me a bit of that Eastern bloc style in that you train super hard in the gym and on the ice, but you get in real good hockey shape conditioning wise quick. The fans here will chant all game. They have a drum guy, coordinated chants, and a few of the ultras will light up flares in the supporter section sometimes. It's wild in a good way!"

Number of Teams in American Hockey League: 32

Number of Teams in PHL: 9

Caliber of Players and Imports in AHL

The skill level of AHL players is extremely high and it's the primary development league for the NHL. Each AHL roster is filled with talented up and coming players (most drafted, some undrafted) who aim to make their way up to the main NHL club one way. Many seasoned veterans have already put in the time in the AHL and some have spent quality time in the NHL but didn't stick for one reason or another (they're still exceptional players). You'll also find some top tier European players mixed in as well who are on various NHL contracts.