The 2030 Winter Olympics could mark a turning point in sports history by welcoming a new discipline: 3×3 ice hockey. After several months of discussions and preparations, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is seriously considering introducing this reduced version of hockey during the global sporting event, scheduled to take place in France. With this evolution, competitions would gain in intensity, attract a wider audience, and bring a dynamic touch through faster and more exciting matches.
A Bold Proposal for the 2030 Winter Olympics
The proposal to introduce 3×3 hockey at the 2030 Olympics is already generating buzz. According to the IIHF, the organization is “almost ready” to submit a detailed proposal to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for its inclusion. This version of hockey is played with three field players and a goalkeeper on a reduced rink measuring 26m × 18m, compared to 60m × 30m for classic hockey. This reduction in playing surface aims to make the discipline more dynamic and accessible while preserving the technical and physical aspects of traditional ice hockey.
Potential Venues for 3×3 Hockey
France, the host country for the 2030 Winter Olympics, is preparing to welcome this new discipline in prestigious locations. According to recent information, several municipalities have proposed to host 3×3 hockey matches. Among them, Chamonix and Briançon are the most prominent, with plans for new ice rinks. The Allianz Riviera in Nice, usually dedicated to football, could also be converted for this innovative competition. These symbolic cities in the French Alps offer a perfect setting for organizing these winter games.
Potential Impact on Team France
The introduction of 3×3 hockey could also have a major impact on Team France’s participation. As the host country, France will benefit from automatic qualification for this new discipline at the 2030 Olympics. This privilege could allow French players to prepare without pressure for a high-level competition. Although France did not qualify for the 2026 Olympics in Milan-Cortina in ice hockey, they will be present in 2030. The absence of Russia in this discipline could make France one of the main challengers on the international stage.
Decision Process: Towards Validation in 2025
If the IIHF’s proposal appeals to the IOC, an official decision on including 3×3 hockey could come by the end of 2025. The decision-making process will be crucial, as it must evaluate not only the sporting interest of the discipline but also its logistical and economic feasibility. The IIHF is confident but will need to convince the IOC of the positive impact this new competition would have on the Olympic Games.
Why 3×3 Hockey Could Energize the Winter Olympics
3×3 hockey isn’t just a faster version of the traditional game; it represents a new way of consuming sport. The reduced format allows for shorter, more intense, and spectacular matches, which could attract a broader, particularly younger audience. This format change could make the sport more accessible outside of large arenas by facilitating event organization in smaller and less expensive spaces.
The 2030 Olympic Games are already perceived as an innovative edition, with several new disciplines under discussion. The inclusion of 3×3 hockey seems to perfectly align with this desire to modernize the event and capture the attention of a more diverse audience. With prestigious sites in contention to host these matches and automatic qualification for Team France, 3×3 hockey could well redefine the future of sport at the Winter Olympics. Stay tuned, with a final decision expected by 2025.
Basketteur de moins d’1m80, je prends la plume pour parler basket, cyclisme ou football. Je ne crie pas “Go Spurs Go” mais je suis Wemby de près. Et tant pis pour mes Trail Blazers qui végètent à l’Ouest…