What Is the ‘NHL’ in Sports?

“NHL” stands for the National Hockey League.

It is the premier professional ice hockey league in the world. Just like the NFL is for football or the MLB is for baseball, the NHL is the top tier for hockey in North America.

Key Facts to Know

• The Teams: There are 32 teams total (25 in the US and 7 in Canada).
• The Trophy: The season ends with the playoffs, where teams compete for the Stanley Cup. This is the oldest and arguably the most famous championship trophy in North American sports.
• The Season: It runs from October to April, followed by a grueling two-month playoff tournament.