The IIHF has submitted an official application to make a major change at the 2030 Winter Olympics

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Daniel Lucente
November 7, 2024 (11:19)

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The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) wants the 2030 Winter Olympics to be 3 on 3 format, and they have submitted a formal application for this.

The IIHF has now forwarded the official application to the IOC for inclusion in the 3-on-3 event at the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps. This is under consideration by the International Olympic Committee itself, which will announce its final decision by the end of the coming year of 2025.

Adding 3-on-3 hockey would also be consistent with recent trends, given that the IOC successfully introduced 3-on-3 basketball for both men and women at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. The same format is scheduled to appear as a full medal event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Given the fast action and thrills 3-on-3 basketball has brought into vogue, a similar hockey event might bring fast action and excitement to the Winter Games.

"IIHF, which has spent years several years experimenting with 3-on-3 tournaments, says doing the same with hockey could allow up to 240 more players to be Olympians.

Having 3-on-3 hockey could provide a place for amateurs and other pros around the world with NHL players back in the Olympics after not participating in 2018 and '22."

In general, 3-on-3 hockey is considered an extremely exciting idea for the Olympics, with fewer players on the ice. The action would be swift, with a lot of skill, and fast transitions to quick passes-meaning a high-scoring game and more excitement for the fans. The drawbacks may include careful logistic planning and organization, or perhaps squeezing it into the Olympic schedule.

One of the big issues would revolve around which players would take part in this 3-on-3 format: whether the top-rated players in the "regular" ice hockey teams would participate in this event or if different teams are needed to represent this sport, comprising alternate-level players. The right balance of talent would need to be selected so as not to dilute the quality of the competition without making the traditional version of ice hockey redundant.

If 3-on-3 hockey ever made it into the Olympics, a variety of rather important considerations would have to be taken into play. The IIHF and IOC would need to carefully weigh such things as player selection, logistics, and scheduling if the addition of 3-on-3 hockey is to complement and not complicate the Olympic hockey program.