Belfast set for NHL star power as full 3ICE World Cup rosters confirmed

Patrick Grasso, former Belfast Giants forward and 3ICE USA roster member.

Belfast is set to welcome a major international ice hockey spectacle next month after the full player rosters for the inaugural 3ICE World Cup were officially confirmed.

The two-day tournament, arriving at the home of the Belfast Giants on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2026, will bring together former NHL players, Elite League stars, international prospects, and Stanley Cup-winning coaches in what organisers are billing as one of the fastest and most explosive formats in the sport.

With teams representing Great Britain, USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, the event is expected to draw significant attention to Belfast as part of Northern Ireland’s wider ‘America 250’ celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Fast-paced format brings global spotlight to Belfast

Unlike traditional ice hockey, 3ICE is built entirely around a three-on-three format designed for speed, attacking play, and constant action.

Games feature two eight-minute periods of continuous play, creating a frantic, high-scoring style that has rapidly gained popularity with fans and broadcasters since the professional league launched in North America.

The Belfast event will mark the first-ever 3ICE World Cup, with eight national teams competing for international bragging rights in front of what is expected to be a packed SSE Arena crowd.

For local fans, the tournament also represents another major sporting event for the city, further strengthening Belfast’s growing reputation as a destination capable of hosting high-profile international sport.

Belfast Giants connections run throughout tournament

There will be strong local interest in the Great Britain side led by Belfast Giants head coach Adam Keefe, who will also captain the team.

The roster blends Elite Ice Hockey League experience with younger talent and players carrying NHL pedigree.

Among the standout names are Belfast Giants fan favourite Ciaran Long, Sheffield Steelers goaltender Lucas Brine, Guildford Flames forward Josh Waller, Cardiff Devils player Bayley Harewood, and experienced forward Logan Neilson, who has previously iced for the Nottingham Panthers, Sheffield Steelers, and Fife Flyers.

Great Britain’s squad is further boosted by Harrison Blaisdell, a 2019 NHL Draft selection, alongside 20-year-old Cameron Briere, who recently completed a successful debut NCAA season with the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants and 3ICE Great Britain.

Speaking about the lineup, Adam Keefe said the squad had been assembled specifically to suit the intensity and speed of the 3ICE format.

“It’s a really exciting group we’ve put together for this tournament, and one that gives us a strong blend of speed, skill and competitiveness for the 3ICE format,” he said.

“We’ve got players who can make things happen offensively, guys who bring energy and edge to the game, and a level of experience that should serve us well in a fast, open style of hockey.

“It’s a format that rewards quick thinking and creativity, and I think this group is well-equipped to embrace that. On top of that, to be able to do it in Belfast makes it that bit more special for everyone involved.”

Former Giants star returning to Belfast ice

Another major attraction for local supporters will be the return of former Belfast Giants forward Patrick Grasso, who will skate for 3ICE USA.

Grasso is among several internationally recognised names confirmed for the tournament alongside players including Zach Boychuk, Chase Pearson, Jayce Hawryluk, Teemu Pulkkinen, Jon Matsumoto, Oliver Kylington, Dmytro Timashov, and others from top leagues across Europe and North America.

Commenting on his return to Belfast, Grasso said he was eager to play once again in front of Giants supporters.

“I’m super excited for the chance to play in front of the fans in Belfast again,” he said.

“It’s an honour to be able to represent your country in any format, especially one as thrilling as 3ICE. The guaranteed rivalry games and the fast-paced nature of the format are sure to provide some fireworks for everyone in attendance.”

Stanley Cup-winning coaches headline event

The coaching line-up also underlines the scale of the tournament arriving in Belfast.

Among the high-profile names involved are:

• USA coach Ken Daneyko – three-time Stanley Cup champion

• Canada coach Larry Murphy – four-time Stanley Cup winner

• Sweden coach Johnny Oduya – two-time Stanley Cup winner

• Finland coach Raimo Helminen – Olympic medallist

• Great Britain coach Adam Keefe – one of the most successful figures in UK ice hockey

The remaining coaching lineup includes Switzerland’s Christian Wohlwend, Germany’s Ron Pasco, and Austria’s Ryan Kinasewich.

E.J. Johnston, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 3ICE, described the Belfast event as a transformative moment for the sport.

“The 3ICE World Cup is a gamechanger,” he said.

“We are putting the best part of hockey on a global stage for the world to enjoy, and there is absolutely nothing like it anywhere.

“Hall of Fame coaches combined with elite players from across top leagues, including the NHL, EIHL, Sweden’s SHL, Finland’s Liiga, Germany’s DEL, and more.

“This will be a country vs country, best-on-best spectacle that will blow minds and drop jaws.”

Full rosters confirmed for Belfast tournament

The confirmed squads are:

• 3ICE GB: Lucas Brine (G), Harrison Blaisdell, Cameron Briere, Josh Waller, Logan Neilson, Ciaran Long, Bayley Harewood, Adam Keefe (C)

• 3ICE USA: Jeremy Brodeur (G), Eddie Matsushima, Zachary Solow, Hank Crone, Will MacKinnon, Patrick Grasso, Peter Lenes, Ken Daneyko (C)

• 3ICE Canada: Dyan Ferguson (G), Matthew Register, Jordan Southorn, Zach Boychuk, Tag Bertuzzi, Chase Pearson, Jayce Hawryluk, Larry Murphy (C)

• 3ICE Austria: Rene Swette (G), Michael Kernberger, Niklas Wurschl, Oskar Maier, Lukas Bar, Nico Feldner, Marcel Witting, Ryan Kinasewich (C)

• 3ICE Finland: Kasmir Kaskisuo (G), Teemu Kivihalme, Oskari Laaksonen, Teemu Pulkkinen, Anton Levtchi, Leo Ring, Kristian Tanus, Raimo Helminen (C)

• 3ICE Germany: Niklas Lunemann (G), Colin Ugbekile, Jon Matsumoto, Cedric Schiemenz, Elias Lindner, Louis Brune, Seb Streu, Ron Pasco (C)

• 3ICE Sweden: Linus Lundin (G), Oliver Kylington, Victor Björkung, Carl Jacobson, Anton Karlsson, Daniel Olsson-Trkulja, Johnny Oduya (C)

• 3ICE Switzerland: Lucas Rotheli (G), Jorden Gahler, Kay Schweri, Joel Marchon, Livio Truog, Mattheo Reinhard, Sandro Forrer, Christian Wohlwend (C)

Organisers have confirmed that rosters remain subject to change ahead of the tournament.

Tickets for the 3ICE World Cup are now on sale, with further event information available via the official tournament website.

The arrival of the competition gives Belfast another major international sporting showcase at the height of the summer events calendar — and for local ice hockey fans, it promises a rare opportunity to watch NHL-linked talent and global hockey names compete on home ice.