Other Notable Leagues
Elite Hockey Across The Globe
Exploring the World’s Premier Professional Hockey Leagues
Swedish Hockey League (SHL)
Founded in 1975, the SHL is ranked as the third strongest professional hockey league in the world. Previously known as Elitserien, it was rebranded in 2013 and currently features 14 teams competing for the prestigious Le Mat Trophy.
Most Successful Teams
Färjestad BK – 10 Championships | Brynäs IF & Djurgårdens IF – 6 Championships each | HV71 – 5 Championships | Växjö Lakers – 4 Championships
Recent Champions (2020-2025)
American Hockey League (AHL)
Founded in 1936, the AHL serves as the primary developmental league for the NHL. With 32 teams across North America, it has been cultivating hockey talent for nearly 90 years. The league awards the Calder Cup to its playoff champion.
League Highlights
Most Titles: Hershey Bears (13) | Current Champion: Abbotsford Canucks (2025) | Headquarters: Springfield, Massachusetts | All Teams Have NHL Affiliations
Notable Teams
Finnish Liiga (SM-Liiga)
Established in 1975 to replace the amateur SM-sarja, the Liiga is Finland’s top professional hockey league. With 16 teams competing for the Kanada-malja, it’s considered one of Europe’s elite leagues and ranks third in European hockey.
Most Successful Teams
Tappara – 13 Titles | TPS – 10 Titles | Kärpät – 8 Titles | HIFK – 4 Titles
Recent Champions (2020-2025)
Swiss National League (NL)
The highest level of Swiss ice hockey, formerly known as National League A until 2017. The NL boasts the highest attendance in European hockey with an average of 6,949 spectators per game, and ranks second in Europe for league strength.
Most Successful Teams
HC Davos – 31 Titles | SC Bern – 16 Titles | ZSC Lions – 11 Titles | EHC Arosa – 9 Titles
Recent Champions (2020-2025)
Czech Extraliga (ELH)
Created in 1993 following Czechoslovakia’s dissolution, the Czech Extraliga is the premier ice hockey league in the Czech Republic. The league features 14 teams competing for the T.G. Masaryk Cup and ranks fifth among European leagues.
Most Successful Teams
HC Oceláři Třinec – 6 Titles | VHK Vsetín – 6 Titles | HC Sparta Praha – 4 Titles | HC Pardubice – 3 Titles
Recent Champions (2020-2025)
Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL)
Founded in 1994 as a replacement for the Eishockey-Bundesliga, the DEL is Germany’s premier professional ice hockey league. Known for passionate fans and modern arenas, it ranks third in Europe and features 14 teams competing for the championship.
Most Successful Teams
Eisbären Berlin – 11 Titles | Adler Mannheim – 7 Titles | EHC Red Bull München – 4 Titles | Kölner Haie – 2 Titles