Results
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/09 14:00 | - | SK Viru Sputnik vs Valk 494 | 5-13 |
| 10/28 13:00 | - | SK Viru Sputnik vs HC Everest | 5-3 |
| 03/05 14:10 | - |
HC Panter vs HC Everest
|
6-0 |
| 02/26 14:10 | - |
HC Panter vs SK Viru Sputnik
|
5-3 |
| 02/26 14:00 | - |
HC Everest vs HK Kurbads
|
2-13 |
| 02/12 14:10 | - |
HC Panter vs Valk 494
|
6-0 |
| 01/08 14:10 | - |
HC Panter vs HS Riga
|
4-0 |
| 01/07 16:10 | - |
HC Panter vs HS Riga
|
5-2 |
| 12/11 14:35 | - |
Valk 494 vs HC Panter
|
3-6 |
| 12/11 14:00 | - |
HC Everest vs HS Riga
|
4-2 |
| 11/20 14:10 | - |
HC Panter vs Valk 494
|
6-4 |
| 01/09 14:10 | - |
HC Panter vs HC Vipers
|
4-2 |
Wikipedia - Meistriliiga (ice hockey)
The Meistriliiga (EML), also known as the Unibet Hokiliiga for sponsorship reasons, is the top-tier ice hockey league in Estonia. The league consists of six teams.
There are 28 referees in the country who officiate at Estonian championship games in all age classes. The work of hockey referees is organized by the ref in chief of Estonian hockey referees Maksim Toode.
The Estonian champion has the right to represent the country at the Continental Cup of Hockey.
History
The league was formed in the 1990-91 season. Since 1945–46, Estonian teams had participated in the Estonian SSR Championship. Prior to the country's annexation and incorporation into the Soviet Union, the Estonian Championship had been contested in interwar Estonia from 1934 to 1940. In the 2017–18 season, the league was known as the Nordic Power Hokiliiga. In the 2018-23 the name of the league was Coolbet Hokiliiga.
Narva PSK has dominated the league at the outset, winning the first six championships and eight of the first 11 seasons. Since winning their first title in 1997, Tartu Välk 494 has been the most consistently successful team in the Meistriliiga since the league started, having won a total of nine championships. HK Stars claimed four titles in five years from 2005 to 2009.
In the 2022-23 season, the tournament acquired international status, with 7 teams participating in the championship: 5 from Estonia (HC Panter, Välk 494, Narva PSK, HC Everest, Viru Sputnik) and 2 from Latvia (HK Kurbads, HS Riga). The team that won the championship that year was HK Kurbads.
In the 2023-24 season the name of the league was Unibet Hokiliiga, seven years later the Narva hockey players were able to win the Estonian championship and will represent the country in the 2024-25 IIHF Continental Cup in Group B, the games of which will be held in Narva.
The league retained its name for the 2024-25 season, with the capital's Vipers joining the five teams that played in the previous season.
The tournament showcases the best ice hockey talent in Estonia, with teams competing for the prestigious title of Meistriliiga champions. The competition is known for its fast-paced and intense gameplay, with players demonstrating their skills, agility, and teamwork on the ice.
The tournament follows a round-robin format, where each team plays against every other team in the league. The matches are held in state-of-the-art ice rinks, providing a thrilling atmosphere for both players and spectators. The tournament also attracts a passionate fan base, with supporters cheering for their favorite teams and creating an electric atmosphere during the games.
The Estonia Meistriliiga not only promotes the sport of ice hockey in Estonia but also serves as a platform for young and aspiring players to showcase their abilities and potentially earn opportunities to play at higher levels of competition. The tournament has produced several talented players who have gone on to represent Estonia in international ice hockey events.
In addition to the competitive aspect, the tournament also fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship among the participating teams. It serves as a gathering point for ice hockey enthusiasts, bringing together players, coaches, and fans to celebrate the sport and create lasting memories.
Overall, the Estonia Meistriliiga is a highly anticipated event in the Estonian ice hockey calendar, offering thrilling matches, showcasing top talent, and promoting the growth of the sport in the country.