Founded in 1975, the Liiga, originally known as the SM-liiga, was established to unify and elevate the level of ice hockey in Finland. It quickly became the top professional hockey league in the country, showcasing Finnish talent and providing a platform for developing future stars.
The Liiga's prominence grew throughout the 1980s and 1990s, highlighted by the success of teams such as Tappara and Kärpät. The league became known for its competitive play and the development of talented players who would go on to make significant impacts in international hockey.
In the 2000s and 2010s, the Liiga continued to solidify its reputation as a leading hockey league in Europe, attracting international players and expanding its influence. Today, the Liiga remains a key fixture in Finnish sports, known for its high-quality play and its role in advancing ice hockey in Finland and beyond.
