HOCKEY IN RUSSIA

Hockey in Russia

Russia has 92 ice rinks, 63 active hockey teams, 9 leagues and 52 players on file in the RinkStop directory. Russia is a full member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the men’s national team is currently ranked #1 in the world, with the women’s national team at #6.

Finding hockey in Russia

The teams listed on this page are organized by league. The top professional league is the KHL. Below you can browse 8 leagues from professional to amateur, including women’s hockey in the WHL Women.Each team has a roster page with arena info, the league they play in, and a link to the team\u2019s official site.

Where to play hockey in Russia

New players should start with a learn-to-skate program at one of the 92 rinks on this page. Most rinks also run learn-to-play hockey clinics for both kids and adults. Registration with the national federation is typically required before joining a team. The \u201cHow to play\u201d section below has a step-by-step pathway from first-time skater to league play.

Hockey ecosystem in Russia

Hockey in Russia is organized through the Federal Center for Training National Teams. Development pathways run through schools of Olympic Reserve and youth teams of KHL clubs.

Featured Hockey Players from Russia

Artur Akhtyamov

goalie

Alexander Alexeyev

defenseman

Ivan Barbashev

center

Sergei Bobrovsky

goalie

Pavel Buchnevich

left_wing

Egor Chinakhov

right_wing

Evgenii Dadonov

right_wing

Ivan Demidov

right_wing

How to Play Hockey in Russia

A practical guide for beginners, newcomers to Russia, and parents looking to get their child into the sport.

1. 1
   Learn to skate first

   Most hockey players in Russia start with skating lessons. Many rinks run learn-to-skate programs for ages 3+ that teach the basics of balance, edges, and stopping — the foundations of hockey.
2. 2
   Try a learn-to-play clinic

   Most local rinks and clubs run learn-to-play programs for beginners. These typically run 6–8 weeks, provide loaner equipment, and cost between $50–$300. Browse rinks above and contact one directly to ask about upcoming sessions.
3. 3
   Join a youth or adult recreational team

   After learn-to-play, most players in Russia join a house league or recreational team. These run weekly practices and games at the local rink and are the most common entry point to organized hockey.
4. 4
   Register with the national federation

   World's second-best league after NHL In the US this is USA Hockey, in Canada it's Hockey Canada, and in Europe each country has its own federation. Registration is typically annual and includes insurance.
5. 5
   Progress through the development pathway

   Talented players in Russia typically progress through age-group teams (U8, U10, U12...) into travel or select teams, then junior leagues, and eventually professional or collegiate hockey. The pathway differs by country but generally follows the IIHF development model.

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The RinkStop blog covers the questions every player, parent, and coach asks.