3ICE World Cup: What You Need To Know

Coming to Belfast this summer, the 3ICE World Cup presents ice hockey like you've never seen it before. Learn all you need to know, before you go.

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Running (or skating) over two days, the 3ICE World Cup presents a great opportunity for existing fans to watch some action on the ice during the offseason and gives new fans a chance to see the sport of ice hockey in a quicker and more digestible format.

What is 3ICE?

3ICE is a three-on-three format of ice hockey. It exists alongside standard ice hockey similarly to how futsal would exist alongside football or sevens rugby would alongside rugby union. The reduction in the number of players allows for a more open and fast-paced game that emphasises creativity and attacking play.

3ICE was founded in 2022 by E.J. Johnston, son of former NHL goaltender and coach Ed Johnston. The league operates in the United States and takes place in the summer months, from June to August, during the National Hockey League (NHL) offseason. Originally consisting of mostly minor league players, the league has grown to now feature NHL players too. About one-third of the players currently were active or former NHL players.

What are the rules of 3ICE?

3ICE functions very similarly to standard ice hockey so if you have those rules down you’re most of the way there. If you need a full breakdown on how ice hockey is played, check out our explainer blog.

If this isn’t your first rodeo-on-ice, there’s only a few rule differences to learn for 3ICE. Right off the stick – it’s actually four-on-four. Teams play with three outfield players and a goaltender.

The matches are played on the same sized rink, so there is more room for each player to show off their creative flare with the puck. It also leads to lightning quick and devastating breakaways. Each match consists of two halves – each only eight minutes in length, meaning every action is crucial.

Other notable changes from regulation ice hockey are the inclusion of penalty shots in the place of power plays and face-offs being limited to just the start of each half. The goalkeeper begins play with the puck after a stoppage in 3ICE.

What is the 3ICE World Cup?

4 & 5 July 2026 | The SSE Arena, Belfast

3ICE announced their biggest expansion yet in 2025 when they revealed the 3ICE World Cup. The inaugural World Cup takes place in Belfast at The SSE Arena, the home of the Belfast Giants. The tournament will also serve as the format’s first venture overseas.

The tournament takes place over two days on Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 July, with the first day being a round robin style format to determine who moves on to the second day, which consists of two semi finals and a championship game to crown the first ever 3ICE World Champion.

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The 3ICE World Cup is a great opportunity for newcomers to get their first taste of ice hockey. The fast pace of each match, coupled with the eight minute halves, mean that audiences are engaged throughout. With the Round Robin format of the early games, there’s no time to rest as a loss is a permanent exit from the tournament.

The SSE Arena and Belfast Giants carry a mantra into every game – “in the Land of the Giants everyone is equal”. The 3ICE World Cup will be no different, with everyone welcome, from diehard fans, both local and visiting, to families out for the day experiencing the sport for the first time. There is plenty happening off the ice as well including fan activities and community events. The 3ICE World Cup is a celebration of the sport for all to partake in.

Who is playing in the 3ICE World Cup?

The tournament consists of eight teams, all from ice hockey-loving nations. The participants for the inaugural 3ICE World Cup are:

Austria
Canada
Finland
Germany
Great Britain
Sweden
Switzerland
USA

3ICE Great Britain will be led by Belfast Giants head coach Adam Keefe, fresh off a campaign that saw the Teal Army win the Elite League, and will feature selected players from across the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), including the Giants’ own Ciaran Long. Long could find himself facing off against a former teammate in Patrick Grasso, who returns to the ice he called home last season, now suiting up in the stars and stripes for 3ICE USA.

What is the future of 3ICE?

If you enjoy the 3ICE World Cup and want more sub-zero action, you’re in luck. Currently, ice hockey events at the Winter Olympics will switch to a three-on-three format when a game goes to Overtime. There is a bid in progress to bring three-on-three ice hockey to the Winter Olympics in 2030 as its own dedicated discipline.

The new proposal would see a smaller rink used to further differentiate three-on-three from traditional five-on-five ice hockey. Not only would a successful bid increase the attention the format gets but it would allow for more opportunites for players and nations. A second route to the Winter Olympics for players in larger nations allows for more a competitive domestic game. For smaller nations, the requirements for entering a team are lowered by only needing seven players and have a better chance to compete.

Where can I see more Ice Hockey?

Luckily for you, while 3ICE might be a rare treat, Belfast has a consistent stock of ice hockey action to keep your appetite whet. Home to the Belfast Giants, the reigning EIHL champions have been at The SSE Arena since 2000. They compete in the Elite Ice Hockey League and EIHL Challenge Cup.

Despite being the EIHL Champions and qualifying, the Teal Army will not be participating in the 2026/27 Champions Hockey League, but will surely return to win Europe’s highest ice hockey prize once again.

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