3ICE World Cup: Ones to Watch

Featuring current and former NHL players, international stars, standouts from European leagues, and some of the best talent from across the hockey world, the innovative three-on-three tournament promises to deliver a fast-paced spectacle unlike anything fans have seen before.

Belfast Giants fans will have plenty of familiar faces to cheer on throughout the weekend. Current Giants forwards Jordan Kawaguchi and Ciaran Long will represent 3ICE Canada and 3ICE Great Britain, respectively, while defenceman Josh Roach joins Kawaguchi on Larry Murphy’s side. Former Giants forward Patrick Grasso also returns to Belfast as part of 3ICE USA, adding an extra local connection to an already star-studded lineup.

Before the action gets underway, we’ve picked out three players from each nation who could light up Belfast and make the difference when the puck drops in just over one week’s time.

3ICE Great Britain

Ciaran Long

A Belfast Giants fan favourite and Great Britain international, Long has been a key figure for both club and country throughout his career. His leadership and offensive production have made him one of British hockey’s standout performers.

Why Watch: Few players know how to rise to an occasion like Long, particularly when performing in front of a Belfast crowd.

Josh Waller

The Guildford Flames forward has become a regular fixture in the Great Britain setup thanks to his speed and goal-scoring ability. Still in the prime of his career, Waller continues to be one of the UK’s most exciting forwards.

Why Watch: Waller’s pace and direct style are perfectly suited to the wide-open nature of 3ICE.

Lucas Brine

One of British hockey’s brightest young netminding prospects, Brine continues to establish himself at senior level while representing his country on the international stage.

Why Watch: In a format packed with scoring chances, Brine’s quick reflexes and composure between the pipes could prove crucial for Great Britain’s hopes of success.

3ICE Canada

Jayce Hawryluk

A veteran of more than 100 NHL games with the Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, and Vancouver Canucks, Hawryluk brings high-end skill and relentless competitiveness to 3ICE Canada. Most recently, the Saskatchewan native has continued to impress in Europe, showcasing the offensive instincts that have defined his career.

Why Watch: Hawryluk thrives in open ice and possesses the creativity and finishing ability to punish opponents in transition – a perfect fit for the fast-paced 3ICE format.

Jordan Kawaguchi

A familiar face to Belfast Giants fans, Kawaguchi enjoyed a stellar 2025/26 season in teal, combining elite playmaking with consistent points-scoring prowess. The former University of North Dakota captain has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting forwards in the Elite League.

Why Watch: With exceptional vision and puck control, Kawaguchi has the ability to unlock defences in an instant and create highlight-reel moments.

Josh Roach

Another fan favourite, Roach will soon enter his sixth season with the Belfast Giants, having lifted eight trophies to date during his time in teal. The Canadian defenceman has undoubtedly proved himself at both ends of the ice throughout his professional career.

Why Watch: Roach's mobility and willingness to join the attack make him an ideal 3ICE player, capable of turning defence into offence in seconds.

3ICE USA

Patrick Grasso

The franchise-leading goalscorer for the Adirondack Thunder, Grasso has enjoyed success across the AHL, ECHL, and Europe thanks to his speed and scoring instincts. The Iowa native arrives in Belfast as one of 3ICE USA’s most dangerous attacking threats.

Why Watch: Grasso’s acceleration and eye for goal make him a constant threat whenever he touches the puck.

Jeremy Brodeur

The son of NHL Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur, Jeremy has carved out his own professional career in North America and Europe. The athletic netminder brings experience and pedigree between the pipes for 3ICE USA.

Why Watch: Goaltending can be the difference-maker in 3ICE, and Brodeur's quick reflexes and ability to handle high-danger chances could prove crucial.

Pete Lenes

Known to hockey fans as ‘Swaggy P’, Lenes enjoyed a lengthy professional career before becoming one of the sport’s most recognisable skills coaches and social media personalities. Lenes’ creativity and flair remain as impressive as ever.

Why Watch: Few players possess Lenes’ imagination with the puck. Expect mesmerising stickhandling and plenty of crowd-pleasing moments.

3ICE Sweden

Oliver Kylington

A veteran of more than 200 NHL appearances with the Calgary Flames, Kylington combines elite skating with top-level offensive ability from the blue line. The Swedish defenceman has represented his country internationally and remains one of the most accomplished players in the tournament.

Why Watch: Kylington’s speed and ability to carry the puck end-to-end make him tailor-made for 3ICE.

Dmytro Timashov

A former Toronto Maple Leafs forward, Timashov has competed at the highest levels in both North America and Europe. The skilled winger has built a reputation as a creative playmaker capable of producing moments of brilliance.

Why Watch: Timashov excels in one-on-one situations and has the hands to embarrass defenders in open ice.

Linus Lundin

One of Sweden’s most experienced netminders, Lundin has spent much of his career in the PHL and HockeyAllsvenskan. His calm presence and technical ability provide a strong foundation for 3ICE Sweden.

Why Watch: Lundin’s composure under pressure could be vital in a format where chances come thick and fast.

3ICE Finland

Teemu Pulkkinen

One of the most recognisable names in the competition, Pulkkinen played more than 80 NHL games and represented Finland on the international stage. Renowned for possessing one of hockey’s hardest shots, he remains a prolific scorer.

Why Watch: Give Pulkkinen space, and he can end a game with a single shot.

Kasmir Kaskisuo

The former Toronto Maple Leafs netminder has enjoyed a successful professional career spanning North America and Europe. Kaskisuo brings valuable experience and leadership to 3ICE Finland.

Why Watch: Kaskisuo’s athleticism and ability to make difficult saves could steal games for Finland.

Markus Nurmi

A talented Finnish forward with extensive Liiga experience, Nurmi has developed into a consistent offensive producer. His combination of size, skill, and finishing ability makes him a dangerous opponent.

Why Watch: Nurmi has the tools to dominate physically while still possessing the finesse needed to excel in 3ICE.

3ICE Germany

Jon Matsumoto

A veteran of more than 500 AHL games and over 100 appearances in the DEL, Matsumoto has enjoyed a distinguished professional career. His experience and hockey IQ make him a key figure for 3ICE Germany.

Why Watch: Matsumoto’s ability to read a game and create offence remains as sharp as ever.

Cedric Schiemenz

An established DEL forward, Schiemenz has represented Germany internationally and built a reputation as a dependable two-way player. His speed and work rate make him a valuable asset for Ron Pasco’s team.

Why Watch: Schiemenz can impact games at both ends of the ice and thrives in high-tempo situations.

Seb Streu

A regular performer in Germany’s top division, Streu combines strong skating with an eye for goal. The forward continues to develop into one of the DEL’s most consistent contributors.

Why Watch: Streu’s energy and attacking mindset could make him one of 3ICE Germany’s breakout stars.

3ICE Switzerland

Joel Marchon

This Swiss international has established himself as a dependable forward in the Swiss League. Known for his intelligent play and versatility, Marchon brings quality and experience to 3ICE Switzerland.

Why Watch: Marchon can influence games in a variety of ways and is always involved around the puck.

Livio Truog

A highly regarded Swiss prospect, Truog has already gained valuable experience at professional and international levels. His skating and technical ability mark him out as a player with significant potential.

Why Watch: Truog's speed and confidence make him an exciting player to watch in open ice.

Lucas Roetheli

The talented defenceman continues to develop his reputation within Swiss hockey thanks to his strong all-round game. Comfortable in possession, he contributes at both ends of the ice.

Why Watch: Roetheli’s mobility and puck-moving ability are ideally suited to the 3ICE format.

3ICE Austria

Nico Feldner

A regular for both club and country, Feldner has become one of Austria's most reliable forwards. His blend of speed, determination, and offensive ability makes him a key player for his nation.

Why Watch: Feldner's relentless approach and willingness to attack defenders should create plenty of excitement.

Marcel Witting

An experienced Austrian international, Witting has spent much of his career competing at the highest levels of European hockey. His versatility and leadership are invaluable assets.

Why Watch: Witting’s ability to contribute in all situations makes him a player capable of influencing every game.

Rene Swette

One of Austria's most experienced goaltenders, Swette has represented his country at multiple international tournaments. The veteran netminder brings composure and leadership to the squad.

Why Watch: In a tournament packed with offensive talent, Swette could be the player who keeps 3ICE Austria competitive against the strongest opponents.