IAHL, Sweden's unique ice hockey league, has grown to include 450 players across 30 teams where former NHL professionals compete alongside complete beginners.
The league operates at Ice Academy in Haninge with matches played in a 3-on-3 format plus a goaltender. Rules prohibit slapshots and body checks while veteran regulations apply to maintain a safe and fast-paced environment.
Christian "Fimpen" Eklund, one of the founders and league chief, said the concept began as a way for hockey enthusiasts to continue playing after their junior and senior careers. The mix of skill levels remains the league's main appeal.
All matches are filmed and streamed with statistics recorded on EliteProspects. Three promotion and relegation rounds occur each season across two annual periods running from September to December and February to May.
Recent guest appearances have included Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak along with former players such as Linus Klasen, Dick Axelsson and Robert Nilsson.
