I'm a decent goaltender who plays in Connecticut for my local public highschool. I'm the back up my junior year and everyone expects me to be the starter next year. after that im probably going to PG and play at a prep school in the area, after i would probably play for a D3 college team.
now that youve got that down
After doing that, does anyone think i would have a chance at playing in the European leagues such as SM-Liga, or the Swedish Elite League.. or one of the Swiss leagues?(thats including these leagues d2 leagues below them)
I AM IN LOVE WITH HOCKEY! and cant imagine not playing hockey. I was just wondering how European hockey compares with hockey over here.
sorry i know its a pretty broad question. its just been in my head for so long.
2007-12-06 13:48:13 · 11 answers · asked by irbe87 2 in Sports ➔ Hockey
Okay, i'm gonna try to help out and narrow it down. How would d3 college hockey compare to European hockey? such as the ones listed above or even the divisions below the premiere European (Swedish/ Finnish/Swiss) divisions.
2007-12-06 14:02:36 · update #1
The best teams in the European leagues would probably be middle of the pack in the NHL.
If you starred for an NCAA Division 1 team, you would have a decent shot at playing in Europe. If you starred for an NCAA Division II or III team, your chances of playing in Sweden, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Russia are almost nil.
I can name dozens of players who played a handful of games at the NHL level that couldn't crack a European lineup.
If most NHL teams had their way, they would send their best prospects to play in Europe because their leagues are a higher skill level than the NHL (NHL Central Scouting ranks all the leagues above as being between the NHL and AHL and has for over 30 years).
Keep in mind in September, the LA Kings had to come from behind to beat a European team to win a tournament.
2007-12-06 14:14:23 · answer #1 · answered by Like I'm Telling You Who I A 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'll be honest: If you are a backup your junior year, there is little chance you could play in Sweden, Finland or other such organized and competitive leagues (Austria, Germany, etc.)
I played in Norway for one year after college. I played D. 2 as a decent forward and d-man. I am not big, so I always had that against me. I would say you should explore countries like Norway, England, Denmark, and maybe Holland. Their leagues are good, but not as highly developed as the others I previously mentioned.
OH, and YOU DO NOT NEED an agent. You do need to make some contacts, but I played without an agent. Most tier 2 leagues in Europe don't require contracts and agents because the pay is so minimal. In Norway, I did need a visa, but the team found housing for me and nealy everyone in Norway spoke English.
I say go for it! My days in Europe are my best memories.
2007-12-06 23:31:16 · answer #2 · answered by Siggy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Swedish Elite League Salaries
2016-12-17 11:36:49 · answer #3 · answered by reeves 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I played hockey in Japan, so don't discount Asian hockey. The foreign Asian Hockey League players tend to be guys who have played at least a few NHL games, but below the AHL there are company teams that are always looking for new "employees" who happen to be useful for the hockey team.
2007-12-07 03:02:11 · answer #4 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hockey in Europe is actually pretty good .... Russian league is the reachest one in Europe and very very competetive, and people love hockey in there .... Swedish is a good one too - not that reach but they play a decent hockey in there and it is a great country to live !!!! ... then Finnish, German, Cezch, Swiss leagues. Look at European players in NHL !!!! They are pretty good. So, you have to be almost NHL good at least.
2007-12-06 20:29:29 · answer #5 · answered by Mikey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spud said it perfectly. Compleetly different worlds. You gotta learn a new language, find an agent, travel at oun expence (I think unless its Elite), and alot of other funds. If I were you, I would try Canada first. I'm a golie too, and I thought about the European leauges, but Canada is just better. You will be able to make the Euro leauges if you are good though. Your team might not be that good, but, well, thats just a negative. Hope you chose the right desision, good luck!!!!!
BELIEVE IN BLUELAND
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!
2007-12-06 14:06:28 · answer #6 · answered by Thrasher Man 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
cme that was my thoughts too. echl has lot of rules helping u get onto a team when your frist starting out such as min number of rookie or prospect players required. i would try out there first and get my name going in the circles first then can try to make contacts with different leagues depending on skill devolpment
2007-12-06 20:58:07 · answer #7 · answered by Jay Argentina 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your chances of playing in the ECHL are better than a top Euro league.
2007-12-06 17:01:32 · answer #8 · answered by cme 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might want to try Germany, Holland or Belgium first. You should know or have been told if you are going to go anywhere here in North America.
2007-12-06 16:57:21 · answer #9 · answered by john F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two words
Трудный Хоккей
2007-12-06 13:53:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋