French Cup (France) 2026/27

The Coupe de France de hockey sur glace stands as the primary domestic knockout competition in French ice hockey. Organised by the Fédération Française de Hockey sur Glace (FFHG), the tournament has evolved from a sporadic event into an annual fixture since 2002. It is open to all levels of the French pyramid, allowing clubs from the top-tier Ligue Magnus down to Division 3 to participate voluntarily. The format relies on single-leg matches, with early rounds often structured into regional pools to reduce travel for lower-division teams.

Winning the cup carries significant weight beyond the silverware. The champion earns a place in the IIHF Continental Cup, the second-tier European club competition, unless the Ligue Magnus champion also claims the title, in which case the runner-up takes the European berth. This distinction separates the cup from the Coupe Magnus, which honours the league champion, and from the defunct Coupe de la Ligue de hockey sur glace, a top-tier-only competition that ran until 2016.

Historical dominance belongs to the Dragons de Rouen, who hold the record with seven titles. The Brûleurs de Loups de Grenoble follow closely with six victories, while the Ducs d'Angers have secured four. The final is a major spectacle, frequently hosted at the Accor Arena in Paris. Since the 2006–2007 season, the prize has been known as the Trophée Pete Laliberté, named after the late Gaëtan “Pete” Laliberté. The trophy design received an update in 2023 to feature crossed hockey sticks, marking a visual shift in the award’s presentation.

Matches decided after regulation time proceed to overtime and a penalty shootout, ensuring a decisive result. While the competition was cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic, it resumed its regular schedule the following year. The presence of clubs such as Lyon, Dunkerque Corsaires, and Chambéry in recent seasons highlights the breadth of participation across the country.