Liiga vs Erste Liga

How would you compare/contrast Liiga and Erste Liga?

Liiga is a stronger pro league than Erste Liga is both in terms of skill/speed and the level of imports for the most part across rosters.

Our team has been scouting and attending matches in-person in each of these respective countries for a while. Our understanding is based on these experience paired with talking to players in each league over the seasons.

Liiga

Liiga is the top ice hockey league in Finland.

Erste Liga

Erste Liga is the top professional ice hockey league in Hungary and Romania.

Location: Finland

Location: Hungary, Romania

Skill Level in Liiga

Liiga is the highest professional hockey league in Finland. Founded in 1975, the league has 15 clubs that span from the South near Helsinki all the way up to the Arctic Circle. It's considered by many to be one of the stronger leagues in Europe.

Skill Level in Erste Liga

Erste Liga is the top ice hockey league in Hungary and Romania with teams spread across each country. The league offers a competitive level for both national players and imports alike who strengthen rosters. The league was previously called MOL Liga.

Player Perspective: Liiga

"Liiga is the perfect league to play in, especially as an import from North America who enjoys the physical play paired with skill. I'd agree that Liiga's caliber is up there with a number of the top leagues in Europe based on my experience also playing in Germany and Austria. The fans hear love their hockey.

Player Perspective: Erste Liga

"I didn't know what to expect when I came over t Hungary the first time from the US, but the league was a great place to play. Fans here are passionate and the different arenas can be exciting."

Number of Teams in Liiga: 15

Number of Teams in Erste Liga: 10

Caliber of Players and Imports in Liiga

Skill level of Liiga players is extremely high, with only the best Finnish players moving up to the highest league. For imports, teams expect players in Europe with strong resumes and players from North America with high-end ECHL/AHL experience on their resumes. Some even have NHL games played. This shows the strength of the league.

Caliber of Players and Imports in Erste Liga

Teams generally carry a large number of top local players. Many teams will also carry several experienced imports with experience playing collegiate hockey (NCAA, USports), pro (ECHL), or the European equivalent at the pro level. These players are expected to contribute heavily to the teams success and help add strength to the league overall.