The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America. Established in 1917, it consists of 31 teams, including 24 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The league is widely considered the premier professional ice hockey league in the world and attracts top talent from around the globe. The NHL season runs from October to April, followed by the Stanley Cup playoffs, where teams compete for the oldest professional sports trophy in North America. The NHL showcases fast-paced, physical and skillful hockey, with teams competing for goals and wins, while fans passionately cheer for their favorite teams.