The Croatian Ice Hockey League is the top ice hockey league in Croatia. The league is operated by the Croatian Ice Hockey Federation.

History

The league was formed in 1991 with the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Until then, Croatian teams played in the Yugoslav Ice Hockey League. The hockey teams Mladost and Medveščak were playing in the first division, while Sisak and Zagreb were playing in the second division of the Yugoslav league. The former two were much stronger, but as financing went away their best players did not stay with the clubs. This resulted in a more balanced competition, in which KHL Zagreb went on to win three times in a row. Medveščak however managed to remerge as the country's dominant team, as it won the competition for eleven straight seasons.

Due to the very short duration of the season, Croatian teams often play in other leagues, such as the Slohokej League, Erste Bank Eishockey Liga, Interliga and Panonian League.

The Croatia IHL (Croatia Ice Hockey League) is the premier ice hockey tournament held annually in Croatia, showcasing the nation's top hockey talent and fostering the growth of the sport within the region. Featuring teams from across Croatia, the league offers a competitive platform for players to demonstrate their skills and compete at a high level. The tournament combines fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and passionate fan support, making it a highlight of the Croatian winter sports calendar. With a focus on development and community engagement, the Croatia IHL continues to elevate the profile of ice hockey in the country and inspire future generations of players.