IIHF Continental Cup
The IIHF Continental Cup is a term introduced by the International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF for the season 1997/98 Hockey European Cup Competition for club teams.
Eligible countries are the national champions of European leagues. Here, take the national champion of the strongest European countries (Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland ) is usually not in the contest. From 1996 to 2000 ( European Hockey League) and 2005-2009 ( European Champions Cup / Champions Hockey League), there was next to the Continental Cup a European Cup competition the stronger countries. However, recently took from several of the countries with the highest masters of the second division at the Continental Cup in part.
Mode
The group matches will be held in the months of September, October and November. The groups are formed according to the IIHF World Ranking. The representatives of stronger countries to rise later in the group matches. The winner of the group phase match will qualify for the final tournament, which takes place in January. At the Super Final mentioned finals also take part in a host, the defending champion and possibly an invited team.