1. Liga (Slovakia) 2026/27

The Slovak 1. Liga, known officially as the Tipos Slovenská hokejová liga, stands as the second tier of professional ice hockey in Slovakia. Established in 1993 after the separation of Czechoslovakia, it replaced the 1st Slovak National Ice Hockey League. The competition operates under the administration of the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation (SZĽH).

The structure of the season involves a double round-robin format for club teams, resulting in 46 rounds. This regular season determines the path to the postseason. The top ten teams qualify for the playoffs. Teams finishing between first and sixth place begin directly in the quarterfinals. Those ranked seventh through tenth must navigate a best-of-five qualifier. The ultimate goal is to reach the finals, which decide the champion and promotion prospects.

Advancement to the top flight is not guaranteed. The two finalists from the 1. Liga playoffs face a challenge against the eleventh and twelfth-placed teams from the Tipos Extraliga. This four-team barage decides which sides move up. The top two teams in this group secure promotion for the following season. At the other end of the table, the last-placed club is automatically relegated to the third-tier 2. hokejová liga SR. The eleventh-placed team contests a play-out against the champion of the 2. Liga to retain their status.

Over the years, the league has carried various sponsored names, including Budiš 1. hokejová liga SR and St. Nicolaus 1. hokejová liga SR. The format evolved in the 2008/09 season, shifting away from direct promotion for group winners to the current barage system. Historically, HK Spišská Nová Ves and HC '05 Banská Bystrica share the record for most titles, each claiming four championships. HC '05 Banská Bystrica won in 1995, 1998, 2006, and 2008, while HK Spišská Nová Ves secured victories in 1996, 2002, 2009, and 2021. HK Spartak Dubnica follows with three titles.

The competition serves as a vital development platform, occasionally hosting national youth squads alongside established clubs.