Other Hockey Leagues

The NHL may be the biggest and most popular professional hockey league in the world, but there are many other leagues around the world that have huge fan bases, extending far beyond their home countries. It is widely known that less than half of the hockey players in the NHL come from Canada. Professional hockey players now come from all over the world because of strong leagues in other countries, and young players aspire and work hard to reach the NHL.

American Hockey League (AHL)

One of the top leagues in the world is the American Hockey League (AHL), where young players play. NHL scouts keep track of prospects there, hoping to find the next Wayne Gretzky. Every NHL team has an affiliation with an AHL team, and the league provides quality mentoring for up-and-coming NHL talent.

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) has delivered some great hockey players to the NHL over the years. NHL Hall of Famers such as Mario Lemieux, Mike Bossy, and Patrick Roy all played in \"The Q\" and had spectacular careers in the NHL. Sidney Crosby also came up through the QMJHL and has had a great career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The QMJHL is one of the most exciting junior hockey leagues in Canada, known for developing mainly offensive players. The league has captured the Memorial Cup trophy multiple times since 2000 and remains one of the most exciting leagues for hockey in North America.

Swiss National League (formerly NLA)

In Europe, the Swiss National League (formerly NLA) has some of the best attendance figures for European hockey clubs, as the games are very exciting to watch. The league consists of 12 teams that play a total of around 50 games in a season, with the top eight teams qualifying for the playoffs.

Ontario Hockey League (OHL)

The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has produced some of the best players the NHL has ever seen, like the \"Great One\" Wayne Gretzky, Eric Lindros, and Bobby Orr. The OHL consistently produces all-around skilled players who are good in all positions.

Slovak Extraliga (Tipsport Liga)

In Eastern Europe, the Slovak Extraliga (now Tipsport Liga), founded in 1993 after Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, consists of about 10 teams. The league has an interesting aspect, as it allows the Slovakian U20 Junior team to play in some regular season games.

Liiga (formerly SM-liiga)

From the Nordic countries, Finland's top professional ice hockey league, Liiga (formerly SM-liiga), is regarded by the IIHF as the second strongest league in Europe. The league contributes a considerable amount of pro talent to the NHL and produces some of Finland's most highly touted prospects.

SHL (formerly Elitserien/SEL)

The SHL (formerly Elitserien or Swedish Elite League \"SEL\") is composed of 14 teams that play a 52-game schedule. Historically, some of the best players in the NHL have come from Sweden, like Nicklas Lidstrom, Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Henrik Zetterberg, and Johan Franzen, who have contributed at a high level.

Kontinental Hockey League (KHL)

The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) is widely considered the No. 2 pro hockey league to the NHL and the strongest in Europe. What makes it unique is that while Russian players form the majority, it features a variety of players from different backgrounds and countries, making it truly international.

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Make sure you keep coming back to find out more about international hockey leagues here at Team NHL. You never know when the next great player will come from one of these leagues.