Soviet ice hockey refers to the ice hockey played in the Soviet Union from the 1940s until its dissolution in 1991. The sport became highly popular and was characterized by a strong emphasis on teamwork, skill development, and tactical play. The Soviet national team dominated international competitions, winning numerous World Championships and Olympic gold medals. The success of Soviet ice hockey was also due to the development of a robust youth system and the establishment of professional leagues, such as the Soviet Championship League. Legendary players like Valeri Kharlamov and Viktor Tikhonov contributed to the team's reputation, making it a significant force in the history of the sport.