Ice Hockey on TV and Stream

Ice Hockey

Ice Hockey on TV Broadcasting

For fans of fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping action, live ice hockey matches on TV offer an electrifying experience that's hard to match. Whether you're a seasoned follower of the sport or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of slap shots and power plays, there's no shortage of options to catch your favorite ice hockey games right from the comfort of your living room in the UK.

Hockey on TV in the UK

Ice hockey on TV in the UK has gained significant traction over the years, thanks to the dedicated efforts of broadcasters to cater to the growing fan base. Several channels and streaming platforms have recognized the demand for live ice hockey and have incorporated it into their programming.

One notable platform that has become a haven for ice hockey enthusiasts is Viaplay Sports. With a rapidly expanding selection of sports content, Viaplay Sports has secured the rights to broadcast NHL games in the UK. This means that fans can enjoy their favorite NHL teams battling it out on the ice, live and in high-definition, right on their screens. Viaplay Sports' commitment to delivering high-quality coverage of ice hockey on TV has made it a go-to destination for those seeking the thrill of live matches.

NHL on Viaplay Sports

For those who crave the intense action of the National Hockey League (NHL), Viaplay Sports is a gateway to an extensive lineup of NHL games. The platform ensures that fans never miss a moment of the excitement, broadcasting a range of live ice hockey matches throughout the season. From the drama of regular season games to the nail-biting intensity of the playoffs, Viaplay Sports provides comprehensive coverage that captures the heart and soul of the sport.

One of the standout features of Viaplay Sports is its user-friendly interface, making it easy for viewers to navigate through the schedule and select the matches they want to watch. Additionally, the platform often provides insightful commentary, expert analysis, and pre-game and post-game shows, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

So, if you're an ice hockey aficionado residing in the UK, tuning in to live ice hockey matches has never been more accessible. With platforms like Viaplay Sports leading the charge, you can indulge in the thrill of ice hockey on TV, all while enjoying the convenience of watching from home. Whether it's the speed, skill, or sheer intensity of the game that draws you in, there's no denying the captivating allure of live hockey action brought directly to your screen.

Major Ice Hockey Leagues and Tournaments 

Ice hockey is popular the world over but as you would expect, it’s generally a higher profile sport in countries with a cooler winter climate. By the very nature of the game you’re going to need some ice to play on but these days it’s possible to build a frozen indoor rink regardless of the external temperatures. 

Here are the world’s top ice hockey leagues right now: 

• NHL - National Hockey League

The National Hockey League (NHL or in French: Ligue Nationale de hockey—LNH) is the main professional ice hockey league in North America. There are currently 31 teams in total made up of 24 from the United States and 7 in Canada. 

• EIHL - Elite Ice Hockey League

The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) takes center stage in the UK's ice hockey landscape. This domestic tournament features teams from various regions competing at the highest level. With a mix of local and international talent, the EIHL delivers thrilling matches that showcase skill and sportsmanship. For UK viewers, the league offers an exciting opportunity to support homegrown teams and experience the excitement of domestic ice hockey.

• SHL - Swedish Hockey League 

The Swedish Hockey League is the top professional ice hockey league in the Scandanavian county of Sweden. It’s the highest division in the Swedish ice hockey system and the league currently consists of 14 teams in total. 

• KHL - Kontinental Hockey League 

Founded in 2008, the Kontinental Hockey League is an international professional ice hockey comprised of 24 member clubs. Currently, the clubs are based in either Belarus, China, Finland, Latvia, Kazakhstan or Russia. The league has big plans to expand to more countries for a broader international appeal.

• CHL - Champions Hockey League 

Founded in 1975, the Canadian Hockey League is an umbrella organization that represents all three of the Canada based major junior ice hockey leagues. The Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League are represented by the CHL. The league now encompasses 60 Canadian teams in total. 

• Ice Hockey World Championships 

The Ice Hockey World Championships are an annual international ice hockey tournament organised by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). The tournament was first officially held at the 1920 Summer Olympics and was first played as an individual event in 1930. 

The modern format of the World Championship sees 16 teams in a championship group. There are then 12 teams in Division I and 12 teams in Division II. The top 8 teams will then playoff in the medal round to be crowned the tournament winner.  

Notable Great Ice Hockey Players 

Ice Hockey has no shortage of greats, spread across the 20th and into the 21st century. Here are a few players of high note that you absolutely need to know about: 

Wayne Douglas Gretzky

You can’t talk about Ice Hockey without mentioning Wayne Gretzky. He’s a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach too. Nicknamed "The Great One", he played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League for four teams from 1979 to 1999. Many sportswriters, players and even the NHL have proclaimed him to be known as "the greatest hockey player ever". 

Alex Ovechkin

After making his National Hockey League (NHL) debut in 2005 with the Washington Capitals, Ovechkin, or Ovie to his friends, frequently led the league in scoring. He even won the Maurice Richard Trophy, for most goals scored amazing five times (2008–09, 2013–15). It’s also worth noting that he is a three-time recipient of the Hart Memorial Trophy (2008–09, 2013) which made him the most valuable player in the NHL at the time. 

Sidney Crosby 

Sid the Kid as he’s commonly known is a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League. Plus he is a two-time Olympic gold medallist with Canada’s men’s hockey team. 

That’s not a bad stat on its own but he has won this elusive list of awards: 

• Art Ross Trophy (2007, 2014)
• Hart Trophy (2007, 2014)
• Ted Lindsay Award (2007, 2013, 2014)
• The Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy (2010, 2017)
• The Conn Smythe Trophy (2016, 2017). 
• Lou Marsh Trophy - Athlete of the Year (2007, 2009)