At the recent IIHF semi-annual congress in Rhodes, Greece, several key announcements were made, including updates to the Women’s World Championship format and the assignment of two upcoming U-18 World Championships to the USA.
The most intriguing development was the imminent proposal to introduce 3-on-3 ice hockey at the Winter Olympics, potentially starting in 2030. IIHF President Luc Tardif drew comparisons to other sports that have successfully added condensed formats. “The boost that 3-on-3 basketball, rugby sevens, or beach volleyball had on the original discipline was something that they never expected,” he said.
The IIHF has already tested 3-on-3 hockey at the Youth Winter Olympics, first in Switzerland in 2020 and again this year in South Korea. Now, the concept of 3-on-3 ice hockey for both men’s and women’s tournaments at the Olympics is under serious consideration.
Tardif hinted that eight men’s and eight women’s teams could be involved, adding 240 more athletes to the event, with rosters likely consisting of 15 players per team. These details remain open for negotiation.
The games would likely be held on regulation-sized hockey rinks, but with a shorter game format. For reference, 3-on-3 basketball in the Olympics runs until a team scores 21 points or after 10 minutes, and the NHL’s 3-on-3 All-Star format consists of 20-minute games divided into two halves. The specifics for ice hockey still need to be worked out.
In terms of gameplay, Tardif suggests changes to the existing 5-on-5 rules. While both the NHL and IIHF use 3-on-3 during overtime, some of these rules may need tweaking to fit this new format as a separate discipline. One example of innovation comes from Russia’s MHL, where an “over-and-back” rule was introduced in overtime, penalizing teams that bring the puck back to their own half after crossing center ice.
The question of player selection also raises interesting possibilities. Would 3-on-3 teams feature players from the same leagues as 5-on-5, or could there be room for NHL players who don’t make the main Olympic roster?
It’s likely that this format would emphasize speed and puck possession over physicality, creating opportunities for smaller, quicker players who might not have a place in traditional 5-on-5 hockey. Tardif hinted that European leagues could be a source for many of these athletes, as they often showcase players considered too small for the NHL.
Team chemistry will also be crucial in 3-on-3, as preparation time is often limited. National teams might even select trios of players who regularly play overtime together in their home leagues to ensure cohesion on the ice. There’s also the possibility of 3-on-3 world championships, although specifics on timing and frequency remain uncertain.
The IIHF’s proposal for the 2030 Winter Olympics must be submitted by January 2025, with a decision expected by March. Should the proposal be denied, the focus might shift to the 2034 Games in Salt Lake City. However, Tardif remains determined. “There is an open door for hockey,” he said. “This is our time.”
