Sokil Kyiv Learns Its Opponents for the Continental Cup

Continental Cup 2026/27 Draw Results

According to Главком: The draw for the 2026/27 Continental Cup has set the stage for Kyiv’s Sokil hockey club, which will begin its campaign in Group A during the first round from October 16 to 18. Sokil earned its spot in the Continental Cup by winning the Ukrainian Hockey Championship, securing its 16th national title after defeating Kremenchuk in the final. In the opening round, Sokil will face off against:

• Energija Elektrenai from Lithuania
• Mogo from Latvia
• Jaca from Spain

Only the winner of Group A will advance to the second round. If successful, Sokil would then compete against:

• Belfast Giants (Ireland)
• GKS Katowice (Poland)
• Rouen (France)

Ukraine’s National Team Returns to the Elite Division

In a parallel development, the Ukrainian national hockey team is set to return to the World Championship’s top division in 2027 after a 20-year absence. This milestone reflects the team’s rise to 19th place in the IIHF world rankings, up from 22nd previously, with its lowest point being 28th in 2022. The 2027 IIHF World Championship will take place in Germany from May 14 to 30. Ukraine has been placed in Group A, where its opponents will be:

• Germany
• Finland
• Switzerland
• Sweden
• Latvia
• Austria
• Slovenia

As the host nation, Germany exercised its right to choose Group A, swapping places with Slovakia. All Group A matches will be held at the PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf. Finland enters the tournament as the reigning world champions, Switzerland as the 2026 silver medalists, and Sweden as 11-time world champions. Latvia, meanwhile, secured a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championship.

The Continental Cup and World Championship highlight the growing popularity of hockey in Ukraine, as well as the achievements of Ukrainian teams on the international stage.

HC Donbas remains the only Ukrainian club to have won the Continental Cup, claiming the title in the 2012/13 season, along with a silver medal in 2013/14 and a bronze in 2011/12. The upcoming challenges for Sokil and the Ukrainian national team represent significant milestones in the development of Ukrainian hockey.

As Sokil Kyiv gears up for its Continental Cup journey, the excitement in the Ukrainian hockey scene is palpable. This momentum is further amplified by the Ukrainian national team’s return to the elite division after a two-decade absence, indicating a significant resurgence in the sport within the country. Fans are eagerly awaiting both tournaments, which showcase the talent and determination of Ukrainian teams on the international stage.