The most expensive ice hockey players in the world: current ranking of the highest-paid NHL players

The Continental Hockey League continues to delight with spectacular matches. January 2025 was the month when some truly outstanding athletes took to the ice. Some confidently confirmed the status of leaders, while others loudly announced themselves, demonstrating incredible progress. At the end of the month, the best KHL players of January 2025 were determined, who showed high productivity, reliability in defence and incomparable play on the ice.

Each of these hockey players made a significant contribution to the success of the team, and their statistics only confirm the deserved title of the best. The game has become the subject of discussion among experts and fans, and their achievements have become a new benchmark for young athletes. Further successes of the players will influence the course of the entire season, and their performances will beautify the KHL.

Which hockey players were recognised as the best KHL stars of January

The current season of the hockey league gave fans a lot of exciting moments. And January this year became a landmark month for individual hockey players. The best KHL players for January 2025 are determined by several criteria: effectiveness in attack, proper play in defence, significant role in the team’s success and impressive statistical indicators.

The list of leaders includes:

1. Vladislav Podyapolskiy – his outstanding play on the last line has made him the KHL’s best goalie.
2. Grigory Dronov– a master defenceman who has made a significant contribution to his team’s success, earning him the title of the KHL’s best defenceman.
3. Josh Leivo – his attacking style and consistent results have earned him the status of the KHL’s best forward.
4. Ivan Demidov – a young talent who has shown brightly and was named the KHL’s best rookie.

Each of these hockey players impressed experts and fans by raising their game to a new level. Achievements in January allow us to talk about a serious role on the teams and a high probability of new records in the future.

Vladislav Podyapolskiy is a wall that cannot be broken through

Stability and composure are the main qualities of the KHL’s best goalie of January 2025. Vladislav Podjapolskiy spent the month at the highest level, demonstrating amazing reactions, excellent reading of the game and reliability in difficult situations. He had several dry games, and the percentage of deflected shots exceeded 93%. Such an achievement is impossible without tremendous work and a high level of preparation.

Podjapolskiy’s style of play is based on excellent positioning, instant reactions and precise moves on goal. A highlight was the game against one of the Eastern Conference leaders, in which he deflected more than 40 shots, including a dangerous attack at the end of the game. Defending the goal at this level makes him an indispensable link in the team and a real nightmare for opponents.

An important aspect is the confidence he gives to his partners. Defencemen, knowing that they have a reliable goalie behind them, can be more courageous on the ice, which in turn enhances the team’s play.

Grigory Dronov – best defenceman of January 2025

The effectiveness of defensive play is not always measured in dry numbers. In the case of Grigory Dronov, the statistics confirm his outstanding contribution. The best defenceman in the KHL in January 2025 reliably closed his zone and actively participated in offensive actions. Accurate passes allowed his teammates to realise important scoring chances. And selfless defensive play minimised dangerous attacks by opponents.

The hockey player stands out for his competent skating, ability to control the puck even under pressure and instant decisions in difficult situations. In a game against one of their main rivals, he spent more than 25 minutes on the ice, blocking several dangerous shots and organising a counterattack that led to the winning goal.

This versatility makes him a key defensive player. His role is not limited to defensive tasks. He is also a catalyst for quick offensive transitions, which is important in modern hockey. The best January 2025 KHL players, including Dronov, have demonstrated how important it is to combine solid defence with offensive initiatives.

Josh Leivo is a Canadian phenomenon in the KHL

The title of the KHL’s best forward in January 2025 rightfully goes to Josh Livo. The Canadian athlete adapted to Russian hockey surprisingly quickly, becoming his club’s leading scorer. His speed, aggressiveness of his attacks and accurate shot brought the team a number of crucial goals.

The hockey player has an excellent feel for the puck, unerringly chooses his shot position and finds a way to beat even the most reliable goalie. In January, he had several hat tricks and assists, confirming his status as a formidable sniper and key player for the team.

Particularly memorable was the game against the Western Conference leader, in which his double in the third period was decisive and ultimately brought the team a victory. This performance emphasises his skill and professionalism. His style combines North American aggression and European tactics, making him a dangerous opponent.

Ivan Demidov – the talent that blew up the league

The breakthrough of the month was Ivan Demidov, who was recognised as the KHL’s best rookie. The young forward made a sensation, confidently asserting himself at the adult level. Speed, technique and composure are qualities that make him a promising star of the future.

January was a turning point for Demidov. The hockey player demonstrated his ability to score at crucial moments and successfully combine with experienced partners. The hockey player has several game-winning goals and assists, and his confidence level with coaches continues to grow.

A key feature of his game is his ability to quickly analyse the situation on the ice and make lightning-fast decisions. This allows him to stay one step ahead of the defencemen and find loopholes in the opponents’ defence. His performance in January is impressive. And experts are already comparing his style of play with top world-class players.

Why exactly these players were included in the top

The selection of the best players of January 2025 KHL is based on objective game indicators. Performance, usefulness to the team, stability on the ice – factors that became key in determining the leaders of the month.

Each of the represented hockey players made a huge contribution to the success of their clubs and deservedly received recognition. The performances delighted the fans and were important elements in the overall picture of the season.

Conclusion

The beginning of this year was remembered for impressive matches, amazing goals and bright play of individual hockey players. The best players of the KHL January 2025 showed their skills and took the lead in the teams. There are still many games ahead, and their successes can lead to new records and achievements.

The stereotype that hockey is an exclusively male sport has long lost its relevance. Can girls play hockey? Not just can, but should! And it is high time to stop asking this question. Women’s teams are actively developing, and their popularity is only growing. Today there are professional teams, international tournaments are held, and the strongest hockey players sign contracts at the level of men’s leagues. The road to recognition has been a long one. In the early twentieth century, women had to literally break the ice to enter the arena. Now the game is more accessible, but prejudice still occurs.

How women’s hockey has changed, we will analyse in detail in the article. The history of women’s hockey proves that it took a lot of effort to be recognised.

A path through the icy walls of prejudice

Women’s hockey has come a long way, overcoming inhibitions, mistrust and stereotypes. The story begins back in the early 20th century, when the first teams were formed in Canada. In 1916, the first recorded women’s hockey match took place, and a few years later tournaments began to appear. For a long time, girls’ attempts to make a name for themselves were not taken seriously.

In Europe and North America, women hockey players faced resistance: they were not allowed to join sports clubs and competitions were held without official status. It was not until 1990 that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) held the first official world championship for women’s ice hockey. This was an important milestone in the development of the sport. At the 1998 Olympics, women’s ice hockey was officially recognised, and the national teams began to actively prepare for the games.

In Russia, women’s hockey remained in the shadow of men’s hockey for a long time. Only in 1995 did the first official national team appear, and since 2015 there has been the Women’s Hockey League, which unites the country’s leading clubs. Despite the difficulties, Russian hockey players have achieved serious success, and the popularity of this sport continues to grow.

Differences between women’s and men’s ice hockey

The rules in women’s and men’s hockey are the same, but there are differences. The difference is related not only to the physical characteristics of the players, but also to the regulations of the competition. One of the key points is the prohibition of forceful wrestling. In men’s games, forceful techniques are part of the tactics, while in women’s sports they are forbidden, which makes the competitions more technical and speedy.

Equipment also has its own peculiarities. Women are required to wear full face protection, unlike men, where visors or masks are the player’s choice.

There is a perception that women’s hockey is less entertaining. This myth is disproved by international competitions where matches are played at the highest level. For example, the 2022 World Cup final attracted a record number of spectators.

Women’s Ice Hockey World Championship and the Olympics

Women’s hockey has long been internationally recognised. The World Championship has been held since 1990, and the women’s competition at the Olympics became part of the programme in 1998. Canada and the USA remain the leaders, with their teams winning gold medals at almost every tournament.

Competition has intensified in recent years. The Finnish, Swedish and Russian teams demonstrate a high level of play. The Russian Federation pays special attention to the training of new female athletes.

Global tournaments and the Olympic Games confirm that women’s ice hockey is a high-level sport with established traditions and competition.

Hockey players who changed the game

Women’s hockey has given the world many outstanding athletes. Their achievements have become an example of skill and inspiration for new generations. Famous female ice hockey players have made a great contribution to the development of sport. They proved that not only men can shine on the ice. Their victories, records and personal stories motivate young female athletes to take to the ice and hone their skills.

Top 5 famous female hockey players

If you are still wondering if girls can play hockey, take a look at the records of outstanding female hockey players. They have achieved success on the ice and proved that this sport can inspire and win the hearts of millions. Here are the names of those who have made history:

1. Hayley Wickenheiser (Canada). A legendary figure in the history of women’s hockey. She won four Olympic gold medals during her career. She was the first woman to play professional men’s ice hockey at the international level. After her playing career, she continued to work in the state team system, helping to train young female athletes.
2. Cammi Granato (USA). The first woman inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. In 1998, she led Team USA to the first gold medal in women’s hockey history at the Olympics.
3. Olga Sosina, captain of the national team, multiple Russian champion. The most prolific forward in the history of national women’s hockey in Russia. Thanks to her leadership and athletic achievements, the Russian women’s national team is among the strongest in international tournaments.
4. Florence Schelling (Switzerland) is the first female general manager of a professional ice hockey team.
5. Marie-Philip Poulin (Canada) – one of the best forwards in the history of women’s ice hockey, three-time Olympic champion.

Each athlete has made an invaluable contribution to the development and popularisation of women’s hockey. Their achievements on and off the ice have helped to bring attention to the sport. And made it part of the global sporting culture.

Conclusion

Is it okay for girls to play hockey? Absolutely. Today there are many women’s hockey teams and leagues where every girl can find her place. The main thing is desire and perseverance, and then any dream will become a reality.