Since 2008, the Kontinental Hockey League has united the best teams and arenas from Russia and across Eastern Europe, creating world-class hockey entertainment and fierce competition.
Founded: 2008 • Teams: 23 teams across 4 countries
Competing for the Gagarin Cup — the ultimate prize in Eastern European hockey
SKA Saint Petersburg returns to glory with dominant playoff run at the Ice Palace
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | SKA Saint Petersburg | CSKA Moscow |
| 2025 | CSKA Moscow | Metallurg Magnitogorsk |
| 2024 | Ak Bars Kazan | SKA Saint Petersburg |
| 2023 | SKA Saint Petersburg | CSKA Moscow |
| 2022 | CSKA Moscow | Metallurg Magnitogorsk |
Modern ice hockey venues across Russia and Eastern Europe hosting world-class professional hockey
Most modern arena in KHL
Multi-sport complex with football stadium
Renovated for 2016 World Championship
Industrial city hockey fortress
Hosted 2018 World Championship games
Training base for Russian national team
The evolution of professional hockey in Eastern Europe through distinct periods of growth and development
Established premier professional hockey in Eastern Europe
Kontinental Hockey League launches as successor to Russian Superleague, uniting top teams from former Soviet republics and building modern professional infrastructure.
Became truly international professional hockey league
League expands across former Soviet states and beyond, building new arenas and attracting international talent while establishing competitive balance.
Adapted to modern challenges while preserving Eastern European hockey tradition
League adapts to global challenges while maintaining high competitive standards. Modern facilities and youth development create sustainable hockey excellence.
Essential information about the Kontinental Hockey League and visiting KHL arenas
The Kontinental Hockey League is the premier professional ice hockey league in Eastern Europe, founded in 2008. It features teams from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and China competing for the Gagarin Cup.
The KHL season runs from September to April, with playoffs extending into early May. The regular season features 68 games per team, followed by four rounds of playoffs culminating in the Gagarin Cup Final.
The Gagarin Cup is the championship trophy of the KHL, named after Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space. It represents the pinnacle of professional hockey achievement in Eastern Europe.
Tickets are available through team websites, official KHL partners, or at arena box offices. Popular matchups like CSKA vs SKA sell out quickly, so advance booking is recommended.
KHL games feature passionate fan support with organized ultras groups, traditional chants, and intense rivalries. Moscow and Saint Petersburg derbies are particularly electric experiences.
Most KHL arenas in major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg are accessible by metro, bus, or tram. Many venues offer shuttle services from metro stations on game days.
KHL arenas offer traditional Russian cuisine, international fast food, beer, and local beverages. Many venues feature themed restaurants and premium dining options in VIP areas.