The Russian Ice Hockey Federation is developing ice hockey on all levels from amateur to professional. Work is ongoing in 70 regions over the country and the federation is responsible for all national teams.

Starting from the 2016/2017 season, RIHF runs the VHL — Silk Road Cup championship (VHL).

The championship is a very important and much-needed step in the development of ice hockey in Russia, that promotes the discovery of new talents and is a springboard for conquering great heights. Today VHL has become a successful and highly organized project that raises the interest of the audience, and fosters “sports” borders.

Each year VHL attracts more audience. Overall combined stadium capacity — more than 90 000 spectators. Average game attendance — around 2 000 per game, overall more than 1,5 million per season.

In the 2019/20 season 34 clubs from four countries (Russia (27), Kazakhstan (3), China (3) and Uzbekistan (1) will compete in SVHL — Silk Road Cup championship. There will be more than 900 matches for the right to have the major VHL trophy — Petrov Cup and the title — the Champion of VHL — Silk Road Cup championship.