Story Summary
The 2026/27 Liiga season began on 1 September, with the opening round played on Tuesday evening. The competition will stage a one-off 17-team “supersäsong” before reducing to 14 clubs. Swedes made an immediate impact on opening night, while Liiga is described as a popular destination for Swedish players.
Key Facts
- The 2026/27 Liiga season has officially started.
- The opening round was played on Tuesday evening.
- Liiga will play a one-off ‘supersäsong’ with 17 teams this season.
- The league intends to reduce to 14 teams after the ‘supersäsong’.
- Because of the format change the season began earlier than usual, with first matches on 1 September.
- Liiga has become a popular destination for Swedish players.
- Swedes enjoyed success in the opening-round games.
IHM Discussion
Liiga’s 17-team “supersäsong” is the central feature of the opening night. The temporary format, ahead of a reduction to 14 teams, has brought an earlier-than-usual start, with the first fixtures played on 1 September. The opening round also had a clear Swedish angle, with Swedes enjoying immediate success and Liiga continuing to attract Swedish players. The key points are the altered league size, the earlier start and the strong Swedish opening-night showing.
Why It Matters
A one-season, 17-team format changes the shape of the competition and has required an earlier start to the campaign. That affects the timing of clubs’ preparations and when players must be ready for competitive hockey. The Swedish impact on opening night also highlights Liiga’s appeal to Swedish players.