Belarusian Cup 2026/27

The Ruslan Salei Cup is the primary national knockout ice hockey competition in Belarus. Founded by the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation (BIHA) in 2002, the tournament is contested annually by clubs from the Belarusian Extraleague, the country's top-tier professional league. The competition is traditionally held in August as a pre-season event, serving as a preparatory fixture before the Extraleague regular season begins in September.

The format typically begins with a group stage where the participating teams are divided into two groups. Following this, the competition transitions into a knockout phase that includes quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final. The tournament was renamed the Ruslan Salei Cup prior to the 2013–14 season to honor the legendary Belarusian NHL player and national team captain, who died in the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash in 2011. This renaming distinguishes the trophy's legacy within the sport.

Yunost Minsk is the most successful club in the tournament's history with eight titles. HK Gomel follows with five titles, while Dinamo Minsk has secured four. The current champion is Yunost Minsk, which defeated Shakhtyor Soligorsk in the final held on August 31, 2025, at the Chizhovka-Arena in Minsk. The result secured their status as the reigning holders of the prize.

The Ruslan Salei Cup is distinct from the Belarusian Extraleague championship in both timing and prestige. While the Extraleague is the main in-season competition that determines the National Champion and offers qualification for international tournaments like the IIHF Continental Cup, the Cup is a secondary domestic trophy. Winning the Extraleague remains the primary objective for clubs, whereas the Cup serves as a warm-up and a prestigious pre-season honor. Teams from the First League do not participate in the main tournament.