Wikipedia - Metal Ligaen

The Superisligaen, known as the Metal Ligaen for sponsorship reasons, is the highest-level ice hockey league in Denmark. The league consists of 9 professional teams.

Teams from the Superisligaen can participate in the IIHF's annual Champions Hockey League (CHL), competing for the European Trophy. Participation is based on the strength of the various leagues in Europe (excluding the European/Asian Kontinental Hockey League). Going into the 2022–23 CHL season, the Superisligaen was ranked the No. 13 league in Europe, allowing them to send their top team to compete in the CHL.

History

The Danish Ice hockey league has become a springboard for foreign players and a place to start their European careers, before traveling to other bigger leagues such as the Swedish Hockey League or DEL. The teams rely mostly on foreign talent, but there are still a lot of skilled professional Danish players. Mostly the older Danish players are full-time professional. Most younger players are semi-professional because of the tight economy in Danish hockey, and most of the money is spent on more talented foreign players.

In the past, the league has consisted of as many as 10 teams. Despite the introduction of a salary cap as well as a limit to the number of import players allowed, several teams have struggled financially in recent years. As a result, the Herlev Hornets and the Rungsted Cobras have withdrawn from the league, reducing the number of active teams from 10 to 8. Teams from the second-tier league were offered the empty spots, but no team were able to accept the offer, citing financial issues as their main concern.

On 9 January 2015 TV2 Sport debuted as a new sports channel on Danish TV. Same day, HockeyNight also aired for the first time, with a match between Odense Bulldogs and Rungsted. Since 2015 TV2 Sport has been the place to watch icehockey and other sports.

On 18 June 2016, it was made clear that the foreign player limit of 8 was against EU law and was therefore removed. The 2016–17 season was the first time, since 2009, that a Danish ice hockey team could have an unlimited number of foreign players. The salary cap was created in order to regulate the league, and was 6 million DKK for the 2016–17 season .

On June 3, 2017, Metal Ligaen was expanded once again, to an historic number of 11 teams. Hvidovre Fighters, who had previously left the league in 2013 because of bankruptcy, got their submitted papers approved, making them the 11th team of the 2017/18 season.

The Danish Metal Ligaen is an exciting ice hockey tournament held annually in Denmark. It is the highest level of professional ice hockey in the country and features some of the best teams and players in Danish ice hockey.

The tournament showcases the skill, speed, and intensity of the sport, providing thrilling matches and fierce competition. The teams competing in the Danish Metal Ligaen represent various cities and regions across Denmark, creating a strong sense of local pride and support.

The tournament follows a round-robin format, where each team plays against one another multiple times throughout the season. The matches are held in state-of-the-art ice rinks, providing a fantastic atmosphere for both players and spectators.

The Danish Metal Ligaen attracts a passionate fan base, with supporters filling the stands and creating an electric atmosphere during the games. The fans are known for their dedication and enthusiasm, cheering on their favorite teams and players with chants and cheers.

The tournament also serves as a platform for developing young talent in Danish ice hockey. Many players who have participated in the Danish Metal Ligaen have gone on to have successful careers in international ice hockey leagues.

In addition to the on-ice action, the Danish Metal Ligaen also promotes community engagement and outreach programs. The tournament organizes events and initiatives to encourage youth participation in ice hockey and promote the sport's values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Overall, the Danish Metal Ligaen is a highly anticipated event in the Danish ice hockey calendar. It brings together the best teams, players, and fans, creating an unforgettable experience for all involved. Whether you are a die-hard ice hockey fan or simply looking for an exciting sporting event to attend, the Danish Metal Ligaen is sure to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.