Ice Hockey Popular Leagues and International Competitions

Here’s a brief overview of popular ice hockey leagues and international competitions:

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The NHL is the premier professional ice hockey league, primarily based in the United States and Canada.
It features 32 teams competing in an 82-game regular season, followed by playoffs leading to the Stanley Cup championship.
Known for its high skill level, physicality, and global star players, the NHL is the most watched and prestigious ice hockey league worldwide.

IIHF World Championships: Annual tournament organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) featuring national teams from around the world.
Winter Olympics: Ice hockey is a major event, with top countries competing every four years for Olympic gold.
World Cup of Hockey: A high-profile tournament held irregularly featuring the best players representing their countries.
IIHF World Junior Championship: Annual tournament for national teams of players under 20, showcasing future stars.