Global ice hockey comes to Belfast as SSE Arena secures first-ever 3ICE World Cup

(L-R) – Adam Keefe, Head Coach, Belfast Giants; and Steve Thornton, Sports Director, The Odyssey Trust with the 2026 3ICE World Cup logo outside The SSE Arena, Belfast.

The SSE Arena, Belfast is set to take centre stage on the global ice hockey calendar after being confirmed as the host venue for the inaugural 3ICE World Cup, scheduled to take place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2026.

The announcement, made by The Odyssey Trust, marks a major sporting milestone for Northern Ireland, bringing an innovative international ice hockey tournament to Belfast for the first time.

The two-day event will introduce local audiences to the fast-paced, skill-led three-on-three format that has rapidly gained global traction.

Founded by E.J. Johnston, son of former NHL goaltender and coach Ed Johnston, 3ICE is a professional ice hockey league designed around an attacking, entertainment-driven style of play. Matches are contested over two eight-minute periods of continuous action, prioritising speed, creativity and scoring opportunities.

Since its launch in 2022, 3ICE has enjoyed rapid international growth, securing broadcast partnerships with major networks including CBS, ESPN, TSN, FanDuel Sports Network and the NHL Network.

The league has also attracted a host of legendary NHL figures to its coaching ranks, including Ray Bourque, Larry Murphy and Ken Daneyko.

Three-on-three ice hockey is also widely expected to be introduced to the Winter Olympic programme from 2030, underlining the format’s rising global profile.

The 3ICE World Cup represents the league’s most ambitious expansion to date. The Belfast tournament will feature eight national teams competing over two days for international bragging rights at the home of the Belfast Giants.

The confirmed nations are 3ICE Great Britain, 3ICE USA, 3ICE Canada, 3ICE Sweden, 3ICE Finland, 3ICE Switzerland, 3ICE Germany and 3ICE Austria.

3ICE Great Britain will be led by Belfast Giants head coach Adam Keefe and will include selected players from across the Elite Ice Hockey League. For local supporters, the tournament offers a rare opportunity to see the best domestic talent unite on home ice against world-class international opposition.

Steve Thornton, Sports Director at The Odyssey Trust, said:

“Hosting the first-ever 3ICE World Cup in Belfast is a tremendous honour and a major statement about the reputation our city and venue have built on the international stage.

“Throughout its 25-year history, The SSE Arena has welcomed some of the world’s biggest acts and events, and being chosen to launch one of hockey’s most exciting global ventures is something we are very proud of.

“This event will showcase Belfast to viewers worldwide while delivering a significant boost to our local economy, our tourism offering, and our community.”

The tournament will be broadcast internationally through 3ICE’s global media partners, placing Belfast in front of audiences across Europe, North America and beyond. Organisers have also confirmed that the weekend will include fan engagement activities and community programming, creating a festival atmosphere around the games themselves.

E.J. Johnston, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 3ICE, added:

“World-class hockey in a world-class city with world-class partners in the Belfast Giants and The Odyssey Trust. The 3ICE World Cup will be an absolutely electric showcase for these eight hockey-loving nations to compete for this world championship on a global stage. Belfast, and the entire world, are in for a treat. This is going to be fun.”

Further details on fixtures and ticketing are expected to be announced in the coming months.

For more information about 3ICE and the 3ICE World Cup, please click here.