VHL (Russia) 2026/27

The All-Russian Hockey League (VHL) operates as the second-tier professional ice hockey competition in Russia, positioned directly beneath the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Founded in November 2009 through a joint initiative by the KHL and the Ice Hockey Federation of Russia (FHR), the league replaced the former Vysshaya Liga. Although officially known as the Supreme Hockey League until September 2022, it retained the VHL abbreviation following its renaming to the All-Russian Hockey League.

The structure differs from many top-flight leagues due to its closed commercial status. There is no automatic promotion or relegation based solely on sporting merit. Clubs seeking entry to the KHL must satisfy strict infrastructure, financial, and organizational criteria set by the KHL Board of Directors. Conversely, teams exit the VHL primarily through financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or failure to meet licensing standards.

In the 2026–2027 season, the league features 30 teams competing in a unified table format without conferences or divisions. Six clubs listed for this profile include AKM, Almetyevsk, Bars, Buran Voronezh, Chelmet Chelyabinsk, and Chelny. The top 16 teams advance to the playoffs, where all series follow a best-of-7 format.

The VHL functions as a developmental bridge between the Junior Hockey League (MHL) and the KHL. Most teams maintain affiliations with KHL franchises. For instance, Bars Kazan is linked with Ak Bars Kazan, while Buran Voronezh operates under Severstal Cherepovets. This relationship underscores the league's role as a primary farm system for higher-level talent.

Historical success within the VHL is concentrated among a few clubs. Yugra from Khanty-Mansiysk holds the record for most championships with four titles, secured in the 2020–21, 2021–22, 2024–25, and 2025–26 seasons. The current champion is Torpedo-Gorky from Nizhny Novgorod, having defeated Khimik Voskresensk in the 2024–25 final. Financial backing comes from the bookmaker OLIMPBET, which sponsors the league under the name OLIMPBET VHL.