IIHF looking for inclusion of new hockey event at future Winter Olympics

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Cooper Godin
October 5, 2024 (10:36)

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A new hockey event may be on the horizon for fans at an upcoming Winter Olympics.

Hockey fans are very excited for the return of National Hockey League players to the Winter Olympics in 2026 when the game's best will descend on Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

But looking past the 2026 Winter Games, hockey could be getting a new event at the Olympics, if the International Ice Hockey Federation has their way and a vote becomes successful in early 2025.

When the IIHF met in Greece recently for their Semi-Annual Congress, one of the topics being discussed was their proposal for a 3-on-3 hockey tournament at the Winter Olympics. The IIHF and President Luc Tardif are targeting the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps for the debut of 3-on-3 hockey, but there's still a few hurdles they need to get over before things become official.

The International Olympic Committee is looking for proposals for new sports for the 2030 Olympics and with the deadline for submissions in January 2025, the IIHF is working hard to ensure their proposal looks good and could be given the green light.

"Proposals to introduce 3x3 hockey as an Olympic event in 2030 are coming close to D-day. Since the 2017/18 season, the IIHF has been developing a 3x3 tournament format, trialing different set-ups at the Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne 2020 and Gangneung 2024. More recently, test events involving senior players have been staged in various countries and a further tournament is planned for Brazil in November.

The International Olympic Committee is seeking proposals for new disciplines for the 2030 Winter Games in France and the IIHF is preparing its submission ahead of the Jan. 2025 deadline. A decision would be expected in March." The IIHF said.

IIHF President Luc Tardif pointed to the success of 3-on-3 basketball and rugby sevens as examples that smaller disciplines of a bigger sport can work on the Olympic stage and believes that the time is right for hockey to get its chance for 3-on-3.

"The boost that 3x3 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.

There is an open door for hockey. This is our time." Tardif said.

The IIHF can expect a decision from the IOC on the matter at some point in March 2025.