3-on-3 Hockey Coming to the Olympics?

The IIHF is preparing to propose that 3-on-3 hockey be included at the 2030 Olympics.

The games are set for the French Alps in 2030 and the IIHF is looking to include both men's and women's take part in the entertaining 3-on-3 game. This format is of course used in the NHL for overtimes, which is consistent with the PWHL and IIHF formats.

Luc Tardif, IIHF president met with the media recently and opened up about his vision. "The boost that three-on-three basketball, rugby sevens, or beach volleyball had on the original discipline was something that they never expected. It had a huge impact on recruitment and financial opportunity," Tardif added. "There is an open door for hockey. This is our time."

The deadline for the submission is January 2025, with the outcome set for March. There's a very good chance 3-on-3 is added and gives hockey another event at the winter games.

The IIHF has three-on-three tournaments, which started roughly six years ago, trailing different formats throughout the 2020 and 2024 Youth Olympic Games.

Can you imagine Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar playing 3-on-3 together?

Photo credit:© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images