The NHML is being replaced by the Russian Hockey League

The Russian Ice Hockey Federation has decided to transform the National Junior Hockey League (NMHL) into a new competition - the Russian Hockey League (RHL), which will be held as the Russian Junior Hockey Championship for players under the age of 20.

The changes are aimed at improving the training system for young ice hockey players. The main objective is to create optimal conditions for the development of players aged 16 to 19, minimising the attrition of promising athletes at a key stage of their development.

One of the stages of the transformation will be an adjustment to the age limit for participants: the limit has been lowered from 21 to 19. This will focus attention on younger, promising players and ensure their effective transition to professional ice hockey.

Players aged 16 to 19 are eligible to play in the league. However, a limit has been imposed on the number of older players (19) - no more than five skaters and one goalkeeper in the squad for one particular season.

The transition to the new model will be gradual. Special eligibility conditions will be in place during the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 campaigns taking into account players' existing contracts, allowing clubs to adapt to the changes without additional financial burden. The league will subsequently fully transition to the updated age parameters when the 2028/2029 season begins.

The maximum squad size will be 35 players. Restrictions on the signing and participation of older players will also apply during the transition period.

The transformation of the NMHL into the Russian Hockey League will be an important step in the development of youth ice hockey in the country, strengthening the system for developing our country's young prospects.