SKA faces a fundamentally new opponent: the Shanghai Dragons.

The club, formerly known as Kunlun Red Star, has been renamed the Shanghai Dragons since the 2025/2026 season and now represents Shanghai in the Kontinental Hockey League. This season, the team is playing its home games in St. Petersburg, creating a unique situation: two KHL clubs are based in the same city. This not only adds intrigue to their head-to-head matches but also intensifies the competition for the attention of local fans.

For SKA, every home game is a test of sorts in front of their loyal fans. The Army Men consistently display an energetic and attacking style of play on home ice. Thanks to a strong roster, polished plays, and the high individual skill of their leaders, the St. Petersburg club is considered the favorite in almost every match. SKA is expected to dominate and score goals, and the team strives to live up to these expectations by forcing opponents to defend most of the time.

The Dragons, in turn, are renowned for their resilience and fighting spirit. A unique project in the KHL, they often emphasize dedication, strict discipline, and quick counterattacks. Their tactics can take opponents by surprise, and matches involving the Dragons often turn into tense battles until the final minute. In the first game of the 2025/2026 season, the Dragons surprised everyone by defeating SKA at its new home arena.

The St. Petersburg Ice Palace is known for its indescribable atmosphere: the support of the stands becomes an additional player for the home team. The energy and passion that reign in the arena transforms every game into an unforgettable hockey spectacle. The showdown between SKA and the Shanghai Dragons is not only a battle of strategy and skill, but also a vibrant spectacle showcasing the full diversity of the Kontinental Hockey League. For fans, it's a chance to witness true sports drama and a battle of wills—exactly what makes hockey such a beloved sport. Tickets for the SKA vs. Shanghai Dragons match at the St. Petersburg Ice Palace are available for purchase on our website.