NHL vs ICEHL

How would you compare/contrast NHL and ICEHL?

The NHL takes the nod here head to head, but ICEHL is one of the more high quality hockey leagues in Europe. A number of imports here in ICEHL have AHL/NHL experience somewhere on their resumes.

We have partners that scout each of these leagues each season to understand them well.

NHL

The NHL (National Hockey League) is the top ice hockey league in the world with 32 teams spanning North America.

ICEHL

ICEHL is the top-tier ice hockey league in Austria, with additional teams based in Italy, Hungary, and Slovenia.

Location: North America

Location: Italy, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia

Skill Level in NHL

The NHL (National Hockey League) is considered the top ice hockey league in the world. The league is currently made up of 32 teams spanning North America in both the United States and Canada.

Skill Level in ICEHL

ICEHL is professional hockey league in Central Europe that features teams across Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Slovenia. It's a highly competitive league with diverse talent both locally and from imports who play here.

Player Perspective: NHL

"Playing in the NHL is just incredible. The level of play, depth of every single roster, and the pace of the game today here is unparalleled. There's a reason it is the best league in the world."

Player Perspective: ICEHL

"Playing in the ICEHL was amazing as an import. Teams treat players well, the cities are beautiful in this region, and fans here are some of the strongest supporters in European hockey. My family and I plan to stay here until I retire from hockey."

Number of Teams in NHL: 32

Number of Teams in ICEHL: 13

Caliber of Players and Imports in NHL

The caliber of play you need to play in the NHL is second to none. Each roster is filled with world class players ranging from young players to best in class veterans who've solidified themselves in the world's top league. The best players around the world from North America to Europe all vie to make it to the NHL.

Caliber of Players and Imports in ICEHL

The ICEHL combines strong domestic talent with top level imports. The majority of import players have a mix of AHL/ECHL playing experience or European league equivalent. Teams look for proven and experienced import players to take their teams caliber to the next level.