What is 3ICE? Format, rules and how the three-on-three ice hockey league works

3ICE is ice hockey stripped back to its fastest, most open and most attacking form.

Founded in 2022 by E.J. Johnston, 3ICE is a professional hockey league dedicated exclusively to elite three-on-three action. The format is designed to maximise speed, scoring chances and creativity, giving players more space on the ice and fans a faster version of the sport.

The concept has now expanded internationally with the inaugural 3ICE World Cup, where elite players from eight hockey nations compete under their national flags in a short-form tournament built around pace, skill and entertainment.

How does 3ICE work?

3ICE is played as a three-on-three hockey format, rather than the traditional five-on-five version of the sport.

With fewer skaters on the ice, there is more space for players to attack, carry the puck, create odd-man rushes and produce high-scoring moments. That makes the format particularly suited to fast skaters, creative forwards and puck-moving defencemen.

The league uses two eight-minute periods of continuous play, helping keep games short, sharp and full of attacking action.

How is 3ICE different from traditional ice hockey?

Traditional ice hockey is usually played five-on-five, with teams balancing attack, defence, line changes, special teams and physical structure over three periods.

3ICE is built differently.

The three-on-three format creates more open ice, which means more breakaways, more scoring chances and more one-on-one situations. It rewards speed, puck control, quick decision-making and individual skill.

For new fans, that makes 3ICE an accessible way into hockey. The games are shorter, the format is simpler and the action is constant.

What is the 3ICE World Cup?

The 3ICE World Cup is an international version of the 3ICE format.

The inaugural tournament takes place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and features teams representing eight hockey nations:

1. Canada
2. United States
3. Great Britain
4. Sweden
5. Finland
6. Germany
7. Switzerland
8. Austria

The event brings together former NHL players, international stars, top European professionals and legendary coaches, with the tournament designed to showcase hockey in one of its most entertaining forms.

Who plays in 3ICE?

3ICE features a mix of former NHL players, international professionals, European league stars and emerging talent.

The 2026 3ICE World Cup includes several recognisable hockey names, including Oliver Kylington, Jayce Hawryluk, Teemu Pulkkinen, Jeremy Brodeur, Dmytro Timashov and Jon Matsumoto.

The tournament also features high-profile coaches, including Hockey Hall of Famer Larry Murphy, New Jersey Devils legend Ken Daneyko and former Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Johnny Oduya.

Why should fans watch 3ICE?

3ICE is designed for fans who want a faster, more attacking version of hockey.

The format removes some of the slower, more structured elements of the traditional game and puts the emphasis on speed, skill and scoring. That makes it ideal for highlight moments, end-to-end action and players who thrive in open ice.

For existing hockey fans, it offers a fresh version of the sport. For new fans, it is a simple and exciting introduction to ice hockey.

How to watch 3ICE on DAZN

Fans around the world can watch the 3ICE World Cup live and free on DAZN.

Simply sign up for a free DAZN account, search for 3ICE World Cup, and start streaming on your preferred device.

DAZN is available on a wide range of devices, including:

• Smart TVs
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Web browsers
• Streaming devices
• Games consoles

With free global access to the 3ICE World Cup, fans can experience one of hockey's fastest-growing formats wherever they are.