Description
The Czech Extraliga (Czech: Extraliga ledního hokeje, ELH ) is the highest-level ice hockey league in the Czech Republic. It was created in 1993 following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia midway through the 1992–93 Czechoslovak Extraliga season (which all Slovak and Czech teams played to completion).
The league's season usually takes place between September and April and features 14 teams.
Teams from the ELH 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 ELH was ranked the No. 5 league in Europe, allowing them to send their top three teams to compete in the CHL.
