IIHF working on Olympic 3x3 presentation

Following the successful implementation of 3x3 at the 2024 Youth Olympics, the IIHF has utilized subsequent events to further refine the game's format. The official 3x3 competition rulebook is currently in its final stages of approval. The remaining period leading up to the IOC's deadline will be dedicated to crafting the strongest possible bid. 

The IIHF's Olympic 3x3 proposal outlines a departure from the cross-ice format used at the Youth Olympic Games. Instead, the proposed competition would take place on a dedicated, smaller ice surface, a concept referred to as "3x3 on small ice." This emphasizes 3x3 as a distinct and new discipline within the established sport of ice hockey. Notably, the rink setups, including boards and benches, would mirror traditional Olympic rinks, with the primary difference being the ice pad's dimensions. The IIHF's Women's 3x3 series in Brazil in November showcased this smaller format, with games played on a 26x18 meter surface, significantly smaller than the standard 60x30 meter Olympic ice.

The IIHF believes that adding 3x3 to the Olympic Winter Games, where the traditional 5x5 tournaments are already a major attraction, offers crucial new opportunities for hockey players, particularly those from smaller member national associations. The 3x3 game's structure allows it to thrive with a smaller player pool and without the necessity of full-sized ice rinks. Across all levels of play, forming 3x3 teams is generally easier and more cost-effective, which can help to level the competitive landscape between established hockey nations and emerging programs. This aligns with a core objective of the IIHF's ICE26 plan: to make ice hockey more accessible and appealing globally. 

While a novel format, 3x3 hockey has already garnered strong support from individuals with a background in the traditional 5x5 game. Danny Meyers, a former Great Britain international with extensive experience in international competition, has become a dedicated advocate, even investing in building a specialized 3x3 rink. Meyers believes that 3x3 is an excellent way to develop comprehensive hockey skills that are transferable to the 5x5 format. He highlights the need for players to be versatile, playing all positions, and the fast-paced nature of the game, where quick decision-making is crucial. The smaller ice surface intensifies the game, demanding precise skating and sharper decision-making. Coaches also face new and exciting challenges in this format.

Looking ahead, the IIHF's official bid to the IOC for the inclusion of 3x3 hockey in the OWG 2030 Discipline Evaluation Program has a deadline in January 2025. The IOC's final decision is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025. A successful bid would pave the way for 3x3 hockey's debut at the 2030 Winter Olympics in France, potentially allowing up to 240 additional hockey players to participate in the Games, further expanding the sport's reach and appeal.

In the interim, the IIHF is actively organizing more 3x3 events. Following the Women's 3x3 series in Brazil in November, 2025 will feature an IIHF Men's 3x3 series in April or May, with the host selection process underway. Additionally, the IIHF will conduct two stages of regional Nations League Qualification to determine the participants for the inaugural IIHF Eight Nations 3x3 World Championship in 2026. This championship will mark the beginning of an annual World Championship for both men's and women's 3x3, mirroring the existing structure for the traditional 5x5 game.

 (Source: Based on information from the IIHF official news article regarding their Olympic 3x3 bid and development plans.)