The All-Russian Hockey League (VHL), also known as the Supreme Hockey League, is a professional ice hockey league in Eurasia and the second highest level of Russian hockey.
Though currently acting independently, plans were in place to convert it to a farm system for the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL)'s 2010-11 season. It was preceded by the Major League of the Russian Championship (Vysshaya Liga) that formerly held a relegation role for the Russian Superleague and was governed by the Ice Hockey Federation of Russia.
Key Facts About the VHL
- Founded: 2010
- Alternative Names: Supreme Hockey League, Major Hockey League, Higher Hockey League
- Location: Eurasia
- Level: Second highest level of Russian hockey
- Feeder League: Serves as the primary feeder league to the KHL
Since its foundation in 2010, 40 different clubs have played in the VHL, and 34 of them have at least once qualified for the playoffs. Only one club (Toros Neftekamsk) has made the playoffs in all nine championships of the VHL, reaching the semi-final stage six times.
The Russian Classic is an outdoor ice hockey game that is played during the Supreme Hockey League regular season.
The table gives the final regular season ranks for all teams, with the playoff performance encoded in colors.
Read also: Adult Hockey League
VHL vs. ECHL: A Comparison
It's hard to compare these two since these two leagues are situated so differently tier wise and location, but VHL is going to take the slightest of edges here as it's the primary farm league to the KHL which is one of the top leages globally outside of the NHL. There are many high end players in each league, but the skill/speed across the board game to game is a bit higher in Russia's 2nd league.
We've had partners who scout matches in both of these leagues. Prior players have also spent varying time in each league so we know some deep understanding on each.
Leagues At A Glance
- ECHL: The ECHL is a minor professional ice hockey league. It is North America's 3rd highest level of pro hockey sitting under the AHL and NHL.
- VHL: The VHL is Russia's second-tier professional ice hockey league, serving as the primary feeder league to the KHL at the pro level.
- Location (ECHL): North America
- Location (VHL): Russia
Skill Level
- ECHL: The ECHL is the main AA professional ice hockey league in North America. As the 3rd highest level of pro ice hockey in North America, it sits directly under the AHL and above the SPHL. The far majority of ECHL clubs have direct affiliations with NHL clubs and it's a big development league for players aiming to move up the pro ranks to the AHL and NHL.
- VHL: The VHL serves as a feeder league to the KHL, featuring a few dozen teams and a high level of competition for players aspiring to the KHL. The bulk of players in the VHL are domestic players with a small subset of imports.
Player Perspectives
- ECHL Player: "Playing in the Coast was important for my career coming out of college. My time grinding here in the league helped me further develop my game and to mature as I prepared for that next level of pro. That jump may not have been possible without my experience here."
- VHL Player: "The VHL gave me the experience I needed to transition to the professional game up to the KHL."
- Number of Teams in ECHL: 28
- Number of Teams in VHL: 29
Caliber of Players and Imports
- ECHL: Skill level of ECHL players is quite high, with the league only getting more skilled each year as more NHL/AHL clubs fill rosters here with up and coming prospects. A healthy percentage of ECHL rosters are filled with promising young players who have hopes to step up to the A and National league. You also have a number of seasoned veterans who possess many games in the ECHL, AHL, and a few who've had some cups of coffee in The Show (NHL). If you're undrafted and not a top major junior, NCAA, USports, or elite European player coming in, you'll have a tough time cracking a lineup here.
- VHL: The VHL rosters are filled with up and coming young Russian prospects as well as experienced veterans.
| League | Location | Skill Level | Number of Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECHL | North America | 3rd highest level of pro hockey in North America | 28 |
| VHL | Russia | Feeder league to the KHL | 29 |
Read also: Unveiling AHL and NHL
Read also: Current ECHL Standings