| Date | R | Home v Away | - |
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HC Panter
HS Riga
HK Kurbads
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 typically runs from late autumn through spring, culminating in an exciting playoff series that determines the national champion. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging young stars, the league offers thrilling matchups, showcasing fast-paced action, skillful plays, and passionate fan support.
In addition to the on-ice competition, the Estonia Meistriliiga serves as a vital platform for player development, fostering local talent and providing opportunities for athletes to advance to higher levels of play, including international competitions. The tournament not only highlights the rich hockey culture in Estonia but also strengthens community ties, as fans rally behind their local teams, creating an electric atmosphere in arenas across the country.
Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or new to the sport, the Estonia Meistriliiga promises an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the spirit of competition. Join us as we celebrate the best of Estonian ice hockey!