Beijing Lions triumphs in historic Chinese Men’s Ice Hockey League finals

The inaugural season of the Chinese Men’s Ice Hockey Professional League reached its thrilling conclusion on March 15, 2025, at the Century Star International Ice and Snow Sports Center in Beijing. The Beijing Lions team emerged victorious, securing the first-ever league championship with a commanding 6-1 victory over Shenzhen Kunlun Red Star in the final.

The first season of the Chinese League saw 4 teams participating, Anhui Xinhua, Beijing Lions, KRS Shenzhen and Liaoning Shenyang in a tournament played in 4 different rounds, from November to March, in the cities of Shenzhen, Qiqihar, Shenyang and Beijing. In order to improve the overall competitive level and viewing quality of the league, each participating team can sign no more than five imports

Beijing Lions dominated throughout the season, displaying remarkable offensive prowess and solid defensive strategies. Their journey to the championship was marked by strong performances in the regular season, where they consistently led the standings. In the decisive final match, Beijing wasted no time asserting their dominance. Hou Yuyang struck first, setting the tone for the team, while Russian import Ilya Seregin extended the lead in the second period. A relentless third-period assault saw goals from Dmitri Lokhanin, Zheng Mingju, and Jiang Sixiong, cementing their victory.

Shenzhen Kunlun Red Star, despite their efforts, could not match Beijing’s intensity. Though they managed to pull back a single goal, Beijing’s superior teamwork and disciplined play ensured a resounding win.

The Beijing Lions team’s success was fueled by a combination of local and international talent. Goalkeeper Sun Zehao was a crucial factor in their victory, making 23 saves in the final to earn the Best Goalkeeper award. Reflecting on his achievement, the 29-year-old said, "I just can't stop smiling. We've faced Shenzhen many times this season, and every game was a tough battle. This championship will be an unforgettable memory for me.

Forward Zhang Pengfei’s consistent and impactful performances won him the Most Valuable Player honor.

Beijing captain Zhang Jiaqi expressed his excitement about the victory: "This is a historic win. Winning the first-ever league title means a lot to us. We hope more teams will join the league in the future, which motivates us to keep playing."

Shenzhen Kunlun Red Star, the runners-up, showcased good offensive skills, led by foreign players Anton Lazarev and Yakov Seleznev, who claimed the Best Forward and Best Defender awards, respectively. Their contributions highlighted the league’s commitment to integrating international talent to elevate the competition’s level.

The battle for third place saw Liaoning Shenyang edge out Anhui Xinhua in a close 4-3 match. Liaoning’s cohesive play and tactical discipline secured them the bronze medal, while Anhui demonstrated remarkable determination and growth throughout the season. Their ability to challenge stronger opponents underscored the league’s competitive depth.

The launch of the Chinese Men’s Ice Hockey Professional League represents a significant step in China’s efforts to develop the sport. The introduction of high-caliber foreign players not only raised the quality of play but also provided valuable learning opportunities for local athletes. Additionally, the Chinese Ice Hockey Association’s emphasis on referee development ensured fair competition and enhanced the league’s credibility.

Looking ahead, the league aims to refine its structure, attract more teams, and continue integrating international expertise to further elevate Chinese ice hockey. With growing interest and investment, the future of the sport in China looks promising, setting the stage for greater achievements on the international stage.

 

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