IIHF preparing to propose 3-on-3 hockey for 2030 Olympics

Fans of three-on-three overtime could be in for a treat come 2030.

The IIHF is preparing to propose both men's and women's three-on-three hockey for the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps, president Luc Tardif said Saturday.

The NHL, PWHL, IIHF, and several other top leagues and federations use three-on-three hockey in overtime. However, very few established professional leagues use three-on-three hockey in regulation time. 3ICE is one of the few exceptions.

But Tardif said the success of several scaled-down sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics has created an opportunity for hockey.

"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 IIHF is preparing its submission to the IOC before the January 2025 deadline. A decision would be expected in March.

The IIHF has developed three-on-three tournament layouts since the 2017-18 season, trialing different formats at the 2020 and 2024 Youth Olympic Games.