KHL (Kontinental Hockey League)

The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) is the premier professional ice hockey league in Eurasia, featuring teams from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Finland, Latvia, and China. Established in 2008, the KHL has grown to become one of the top hockey leagues outside North America. The league comprises teams from major cities, with notable clubs such as CSKA Moscow, SKA Saint Petersburg, and Jokerit Helsinki competing for the Gagarin Cup, the league's championship trophy. The KHL season typically runs from September to April, with a regular-season format followed by playoffs. Known for its high-level competition and international flair, the KHL plays a crucial role in the development of hockey talent and contributes to the global landscape of professional ice hockey.