The SSE Arena, Belfast Secures Global First as Venue Confirmed as Host of Inaugural 3ICE World Cup

Founded by E.J. Johnston, son of former NHL goaltender and coach Ed Johnston, 3ICE is a professional ice hockey league built around the skill-driven three-on-three format of the game. With two eight-minute periods of continuous play, the format emphasises speed, creativity, and attacking hockey, making it an immediate hit with fans and broadcasters around the world. Since launching in 2022, 3ICE has partnered with major networks, including CBS, ESPN, TSN, FanDuel Sports Network, and the NHL Network, while attracting legendary NHL coaches such as Ray Bourque, Larry Murphy, Ken Daneyko, and more. Three-on-three hockey is also widely expected to join the Winter Olympics from 2030, further cementing the rising global profile of this format.

The 3ICE World Cup marks the league’s most ambitious expansion to date. This two-day, eight team international tournament will see national teams compete for global bragging rights at the home of the Belfast Giants. The confirmed nations competing are 3ICE Great Britain, 3ICE USA, 3ICE Canada, 3ICE Sweden, 3ICE Finland, 3ICE Switzerland, 3ICE Germany, and 3ICE Austria. 3ICE Great Britain will be led by Belfast Giants head coach Adam Keefe and will feature selected players from across the Elite Ice Hockey League, offering local fans a unique opportunity to see top domestic talent unite on home ice against world-class opposition.

Steve Thornton, Sports Director at The Odyssey Trust, said: “Hosting the first-ever 3ICE World Cup in Belfast is a tremendous honour and a major statement about the reputation our city and venue have built on the international stage. Throughout its 25-year history, The SSE Arena has welcomed some of the world’s biggest acts and events, and being chosen to launch one of hockey’s most exciting global ventures is something we are very proud of. This event will showcase Belfast to viewers worldwide while delivering a significant boost to our local economy, our tourism offering, and our community.”

The tournament will be broadcast internationally through 3ICE’s global media partners, placing Belfast on screens across Europe, North America, and beyond. Alongside the games themselves, the weekend will feature fan engagement activity and community programming, delivering a major celebration of ice hockey for both local supporters and visiting fans.

E.J. Johnston, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 3ICE, commented: “World-class hockey in a world-class city with world-class partners in the Belfast Giants and The Odyssey Trust. The 3ICE World Cup will be an absolutely electric showcase for these eight hockey-loving nations to compete for this world championship on a global stage. Belfast, and the entire world, are in for a treat. This is going to be fun.”

Further fixture and ticketing information is expected within the coming months. For more information about 3ICE and the 3ICE World Cup, please click here.