FINNISH HOCKEY LEAGUE - LIIGA



SM-liiga was established in 1975 to replace the SM-sarja, which was fundamentally an amateur league.

Currently Liiga is owned by 15 teams, which are representing 14 cities. Liiga season starts mid September and all teams play 60 matches during the regular season. Playoffs are played by 10 best teams. The winner is awarded yearly as a Finnish Champion with gold medals and the Kanada-malja, the championship trophy of the Liiga. Most recent champion from season 2018-2019 is HPK, Hämeenlinna.
Liiga is the biggest and most watched sport league in Finland with the combined yearly turnover of more than 100 million euros. Liiga has more than 2 million spectators yearly in hockey arenas around the country and reaches more than 3 million Finns through different digital and social media channels owned by Liiga and the teams.
 
Liiga teams:
 
HIFK, Helsinki
HPK, Hämeenlinna
Ilves, Tampere
Jukuirit, Mikkel
JYP, Jyväskylä
KalPa, Kuopio
KooKoo, Kouvola
Kärpät, Oulut
Lukko, Rauma
Pelicans, Lahti
SaiPa, Lappeenranta
Sport, Vaasa
Tappara, Tampere
TPS, Turku
Ässät, Pori