The IIHF European Cup, also known as the Europa Cup, was a European ice hockey club competition for champions of national leagues which was contested between 1965 and 1997, governed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

The competition was originated by Günther Sabetzki,[1] based on the European Cup of association football (now UEFA Champions League).

Countries had different levels of development in ice hockey, so some teams were weaker than others, resulting in a number of uncompetitive, one-sided games.

Organisational difficulties were also posed by the refusal of some Soviet Union teams to play away games in certain places.

Each round was played over a long weekend (Friday to Sunday) in a single venue, until one final group was left, the winner of which would be considered the champion.