A fresh take on hockey
The sport’s governing bodies have introduced a radical variation called 3ICE, where each side fields three skaters and a goalkeeper, eliminating power plays and offside challenges. The result is a relentless, high‑tempo game that emphasizes speed and skill over traditional tactical pauses.
Starting July 4, 2026, DAZN will deliver the entire 3ICE product to viewers around the world without any subscription barrier. The first event, the 3ICE World Cup, opens at Belfast’s SSE Arena, marking the debut of a competition that will feature eight nations: the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Germany and Austria.
Following the Belfast showcase, the league moves to North America for the fourth season of the 3ICE Men’s League, setting up shop at Xtream Arena in Iowa City from July 14 to 16. Eight city‑based franchises will compete, each guided by a coach drawn from the Hockey Hall of Fame, adding a layer of legendary expertise to the proceedings.
E.J. Johnson, chief executive and founder of 3ICE, expressed enthusiasm about the alliance with DAZN, stating that the platform’s global reach will amplify the league’s mission to present an exhilarating version of hockey to a worldwide audience. Shay Segev, chief executive of the DAZN Group, echoed the sentiment, noting that 3ICE aligns perfectly with DAZN’s strategy of delivering fresh, engaging sports content to fans.
The collaboration is positioned as a catalyst for growth, aiming to broaden the sport’s fan base and demonstrate that innovative formats can thrive in the modern broadcasting landscape. By offering free access from day one, DAZN and 3ICE hope to remove entry barriers and invite viewers of all backgrounds to experience the next evolution of ice hockey.