The 2026 3ICE World Cup rosters have been announced, bringing together eight national teams for a novel three‑on‑three competition in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
A fresh format for international play
Matches will consist of two eight‑minute periods played under continuous clock rules, a structure that has defined the 3ICE league since its launch in 2022. The format is designed to deliver fast‑paced, high‑scoring games that appeal to both traditional hockey fans and newcomers.
Canada’s squad will be anchored by Larry Murphy, a Stanley Cup champion and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, who will serve as the team’s on‑ice leader. Alongside him, forward Jayce Hawryluk, who appeared in 30 games for the Vancouver Canucks during the 2020‑21 season, and goaltender Dylan Ferguson, a 2024 Canucks training‑camp invite, round out the seven‑player roster.
Hawryluk’s NHL stint yielded three goals and five points in limited action, while Ferguson earned a championship with HK Nitra in the Slovak Extraliga, underscoring his development abroad. Both players expressed enthusiasm about representing Canada on the global stage.
The tournament serves as a strategic pause in the professional schedule, allowing NHL athletes to compete without club commitments and to showcase their national pride. With teams from Great Britain, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Germany and Austria also qualified, the event promises a diverse mix of playing styles and narratives.
Looking ahead
Fans can expect a compact but intense competition, with the final matches scheduled for early summer 2026. As the rosters solidify, the 3ICE World Cup is poised to become a staple of the international hockey calendar, blending club‑level talent with national representation in a uniquely dynamic setting.