HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1 vs EIHL- Elite Ice Hockey League

How would you compare/contrast HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1 and EIHL- Elite Ice Hockey League?

Both of these leagues have quality hockey, but they are different in a number of ways. The first being that the style of hockey in the UK is more tough/physical whereas Swedish hockey more showcases skill/speed. Head to head, most EIHL clubs (besides the bottom few clubs) are a bit stronger overall, especially in terms of the imports they are able to recruit. EIHL clubs have much higher budgets in general that HockeyEttan clubs. If clubs here were to play against one another, you’d still see a ton of skill on each roster.

HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1 vs EIHL- Elite Ice Hockey League comparison

We've been attending and scouting matches widely in each of these leagues. Our perspectives on each league stem directly from this.

HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1

HockeyEttan, also known as Sweden Division 1, is the third tier of ice hockey in Sweden.

EIHL- Elite Ice Hockey League

The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) is the premier professional hockey league in the United Kingdom, featuring teams from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Location: Sweden

Location: United Kingdom

Skill Level in HockeyEttan

HockeyEttan is Sweden’s third-tier league, with a few dozen teams divided regionally from the South near Stockholm up to the North near the start of the Arctic Circle. HockeyEttan acts both as a developmental league for young players and a majority of teams also roster several imports to further strengthen their rosters each season.

Skill Level in EIHL

Founded back in 2003, the EIHL is the top-level professional hockey league in the UK. Of all the leagues in Europe, the EIHL is one of the toughest physically and resembles much more of a North American style of play due primarily to the fact that most clubs carry a variety of experienced N. American imports each season.

Player Perspective: HockeyEttan

"HockeyEttan provided the perfect environment for me to hone my skills and gain exposure. Our team had a number of veteran players who I learned a great deal from."

Player Perspective: EIHL

"As an import, the EIHL was my favorite place to play throughout my pro career. The tough brand of hockey is one I was accustomed to back home in the US. Fans across the league are second to none."

Number of Teams in HockeyEttan: 36

Number of Teams in EIHL: 10

Caliber of Players and Imports in HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1

sweden division 1 hockeyettan level of play photo

For third tier leagues in Europe, it's one of the very best due to how strong Sweden is as a hockey country overall. Rosters here are comprised of up and coming talent aiming to move up, a handful of experience imports, and experienced Swedish players who continue playing locally at the Sweden Division 1 level.

Caliber of Players and Imports in EIHL- Elite Ice Hockey League

For many years, the EIHL has attracted quality import players from North America and other parts of Europe. Look at most rosters and you'll find imports with a mix of NHL/AHL/ECHL (or European elite equivalent) playing experience. This alongside the top UK players has continued to elevate the caliber of play in the league to where it is today.