A new domestic ice hockey league, titled the “EXTREME ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE (or XHL for short),” is expected to launch in October 2025. This league is the second one to emerge after the Asia League Ice Hockey, which is the foremost ice hockey league in Japan, and it seeks to create new opportunities for player and referee development, boost the sport’s popularity, promote the region, and enhance the spectator experience. The first season will consist of 18 games featuring three teams from Tokyo, Nagoya, and Shiga. The opening game will take place in Shiga on October 12, and the final will be held in Tokyo on March 22.
This league’s objective is to enhance the presence of ice hockey in Japan and grow its market. It will serve as a supportive environment for the development of players and referees. Moreover, to effectively highlight the sport’s charm, we place a strong emphasis on entertainment and information sharing, aiming to create an innovative experience for spectators.
Logo of the Extreme Ice Hockey League
Moreover, league organizers are committed to raising the number of individuals who experience ice hockey for the first time and “expanding the number of first-time viewers”. We particularly value the creation of an environment that allows many children to encounter ice hockey. To facilitate the sport’s healthy growth in the coming decades, we must take action now. We are sincerely tackling the issue of problem-solving and the sport’s prosperity, with XHL serving as our foundational step.
XHL is an acronym for “EXTREME ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE,” and it embodies the vision of becoming a next-generation ice hockey league that breaks free from the limitations of traditional sports. The league will not only emphasize the competitive elements of ice hockey but will also strive to enhance the spectator experience and foster integration with the local community, creating a venue where players, fans, and the community can unite and experience excitement together.
