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Ice hockey is one of the most exciting and physically brutal team sports on the planet. Leagues have cropped up all over the world in recent decades, and online ice hockey betting is an extremely popular pastime, especially in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

The history of ice hockey dates back to the 1800s in Canada. In 1877, two years after the first organized game took place, official rules for the sport were put in place, and within just a couple of decades ice hockey had spread into not just North America, but throughout Europe as well. Over the years the sport has continued to modify itself to become a faster and more entertaining game, and now commands massive viewing numbers in the top leagues from around the world.

The National Hockey League is without a doubt the most famous ice hockey competition currently contested. Its format has been mimicked by other leagues, such as the Kontinental Hockey League, Elite Ice Hockey League, and Asia League Ice Hockey, yet the NHL is where all the top sportsmen ply their trade. For a more detailed understanding of the NHL, take a look at our article on the popular American league here.

Aside from domestic leagues, ice hockey also has a large following in the international arena. Rivalries too play a big part in not just national leagues, but international fixtures as well. The United States and Canada boast the most recognisable rivalry, but teams such as Sweden, Finland, and Russia also pull large numbers whenever they are facing off against a close neighbour.

Ice hockey has been an Olympic sport since 1920, and has been a mainstay at the tournament for the past 80+ years. It is one of the few ice hockey competitions that allows ice hockey national teams from all over the world to come together and compete, whether they are a large squad like the United States, or a small team such as Australia. You can find out more about Olympic ice hockey here.

The Elite Ice Hockey League is the top professional ice hockey league in the United Kingdom. The seasonal competition currently incorporates 10 clubs from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, and continues to grow with each year - the most recent addition to the league being Braehead Clan of Scotland. While not as globally popular as the North American NHL, the EIHL boasts a respectable fan base, and several top online bookmakers provide regular ice hockey bets throughout their respective seasons.

If you are looking for a secure online bookmaker that offers up-to-date ice hockey bets from different leagues around the world, then be sure to take a look at our list of the top five online sports bookmakers.