Hockey fans may not yet be familiar with 3ICE, a 3-on-3 summer league featuring six Hall-of-Famer coaches leading teams through an exciting weekly tournament schedule and offering various levels of prize money at each stop.
While 3ICE events have taken place at NHL-sized arenas such as Pittsburgh, Nashville, and Quebec City, players prefer more intimate settings at smaller venues – and believe this creates more intense games.
About the League
The new 3-on-3 hockey league takes NBA-inspired leagues such as BIG3 to a whole new level. Crafted to cater to hockey fans’ preferences, this league consists of two eight-minute periods on a full-size rink using a running clock system.
Every team plays four tournament-style games over four days in a tournament format with semifinals and the championship game as part of this unique competition. Led by six former NHL players such as Hockey Hall-of-Famer Craig Patrick, every match relies on pure skill and speed for success.
On slick ice, players fly around at rapid pace. In this high-scoring game that also recognizes individual talent, the player who scores the most points receives a golden helmet as a trophy of sorts – adding fun and urgency for players who may not possess as much advantage than in traditional five-on-five hockey.
Coaches
Eight teams, unaffiliated with specific cities, will travel across North America in nine weeks to compete in bracket-style tournaments that culminate in a championship game. Each team consists of seven players: six skaters and one goalie.
Bryan Trottier, three-time Stanley Cup winner and CEO and commissioner of 3ICE. Guy Carbonneau, Grant Fuhr and Ed Johnston of Hockey Hall of Fame fame are also coaches on 3ICE; John LeClair has won both All-Star games and Cup tournaments during his three year coaching stints.
Joe Mullen is joining the coaching ranks after retiring as five-time All-Star and two-time Stanley Cup Champion with Colorado Avalanche. At 84, he is among the youngest of this group of NHL coaches and was honored to receive induction into Hockey Hall of Fame last year. For years now, Joe has used his expertise with young NHL-caliber players through Scoolu to mentor them and help them advance.
Rules
3ICE Hockey’s rules are fast-paced and demand top level skill. Played on half-ice rinks, teams include both former NHLers as well as promising young talent – making this league truly special in terms of its innovative rules and tour schedule.
NHL officials have taken notice of 3ICE’s distinct rules, and are considering adopting some. For instance, their red line over and back rule has greatly increased play speed.
Another captivating aspect of the league is its star-studded rosters. Hall-of-Famer coaches such as Joe Mullen, Grant Fuhr, Guy Carbonneau, and Bryan Trottier lead eight distinct teams comprised of former NHL players and emerging talents across eight different squads.
Schedule
3ICE takes the NHL‘s 3-on-3 overtime format and turns it up a notch. Instead of five-minute periods with sudden death rules, this version features two eight-minute halves with no stop clock exception for penalties or injuries.
Every stop on the tour features four teams competing in a tournament-style event featuring opening and consolation games, two semifinal matches before culminating with the championship game. This ensures maximum speed, legends, and astounding skills to thrill fans at each stop on their tour!
Johnston noted that NHL organizations are eager to have their players join 3ICE due to its innovative rules and prize pool. Johnston believes it could even become an Olympic winter sport; for now though, all attention is directed at 3ICE season 3.
Tickets
Tickets to see 3ICE Hockey can be easily purchased online. Select from various seating options, from those near center ice and goaltenders’ positions to premium suites or club seats offering more space and an exclusive atmosphere to fully enjoy this event.
On Wednesday, July 24th at Prudential Center it will be overtime all the time with 3ICE 3-on-3 pro hockey returning for another thrilling tournament-style evening of high-octane hockey action! Hockey icon Ken Daneyko will introduce your hometown team for this thrilling evening full of fast-paced hockey action!
3ICE Hockey is an action-packed, family-friendly professional North American hockey league offering faster play, legendary legends and jaw-dropping skills than ever before. Each game consists of two eight-minute halves without fighting and features three opening games, two semi-finals and the championship game to determine a victor – no fighting between games either!