The Latvian Hockey Higher League (), also known as the Optibet Hockey League () since 2017 due to sponsorship by Optibet, is the top tier league of ice hockey in Latvia currently comprising seven teams. Previously it was also known as the Latvian Open Hockey Championships (Latvijas atklātais čempionāts hokejā) and the Samsung Premier League (Samsung Premjerlīga) from 2006 to 2008. The league was established in 1931. HK Liepājas Metalurgs, which played in the league between 1999 and 2013, has been the most successful team of the tournament, having won seven titles. Several former National Hockey League players have played in the league, including Latvians Kaspars Astašenko, Helmuts Balderis, Oskars Bārtulis, Viktors Ignatjevs, Artūrs Irbe, Aleksandrs Kerčs, Jānis Sprukts as well as imports Konstantin Pushkaryov, Rob Schremp. Teams Teams in 2022–23 Notable previous teams Previous teams that have won a title or played at least five seasons in the competition, winning at least one medal. League champions 2021–22 – HK Zemgale/LLU 2020–21 – HK Olimp/Venta 2002 2019–20 – not finished 2018–19 – HK Mogo 2017–18 – HK Kurbads 2016–17 – HK Kurbads 2015–16 – HK Liepāja 2014–15 – HK Mogo 2013–14 – HS Rīga/Prizma 2012–13 – HK SMScredit.lv 2011–12 – Liepājas Metalurgs 2010–11 – Liepājas Metalurgs 2009–10 – Dinamo-Juniors Riga 2008–09 – Liepājas Metalurgs 2007–08 – Liepājas Metalurgs 2006–07 – HK Riga 2000 2005–06 – HK Riga 2000 2004–05 – HK Riga 2000 2003–04 – HK Riga 2000 2002–03 – Liepājas Metalurgs 2001–02 – Liepājas Metalurgs 2000–01 – HK Riga 2000 1999–2000 – Liepājas Metalurgs 1998–99 – HK Nik's Brih Riga 1997–98 – HK Nik's Brih Riga 1996–97 – LB/Essamika 1995–96 – Alianse Riga 1994–95 – HK Nik's Brih Riga 1993–94 – HK Pārdaugava Rīga 1992–93 – HK Pārdaugava Rīga 1991–92 – HK Sāga Ķekava Riga 1943–91 – not played 1942–43 – not finished 1941–42 – US Rīga 1940–41 – Dinamo Rīga 1939–40 – US Rīga 1938–39 – ASK Rīga 1937–38 – ASK Rīga 1936–37 – US Rīga 1935–36 – ASK Rīga 1934–35 – ASK Rīga 1933–34 – ASK Rīga 1932–33 – Unions Rīga 1931–32 – Unions Rīga Titles by team References External links Official league homepage Latvian league news and stats from Eurohockey Latvian league stats from Elite Prospects Top tier ice hockey leagues in Europe 1