For hockey fans three-on-three overtime is an element of today’s game loved by some, despised by others.
A new hockey league set to hit the ice in 2021 is betting more fans fall into the ‘loving it’ category since it will be 3-on-3 hockey from puck drop to final buzzer.
E.J. Johnston, President and CEO of 3ICE said the idea is one that fits for today’s world and sports fan, and they may be right as the world seems to want everything in a condensed package.
“We like to say it’s snackable,” said Johnston, explaining games in 3ICE will be played in two eight-minute halves, of straight time, meaning the game will be quick.
Johnston said they look at the new league as offering the best element of hockey, the excitement of overtime, and the back and forth action that is known for.
“It’s a great showcase of skill,” he said.
Asked if COVID-19 has hurt in terms of league development Johnston said it has not been an issue.
“We’ve been working on this for about three years now,” he said. “We stuck our flag in the ground about 18-months ago to start in 2021.”
So 3ICE is readying for action in less than 12 months. That means creating eight teams in year one, albeit pared down teams each only six skaters and a goaltender.
Johnston said the player they are looking for will often be those who have had at least a taste of National Hockey League action.
“Our guys are the ex-NHLer, the third and fourth line guys ... who played 10-11-12-minutes a game, but were the first guys over the boards in 3-on-3,” he said, adding Pittsburgh Penguin Connor Sheary springs to mind as the type of player 3ICE will search out “... the water bug” who excels with more open ice.
Unlike more traditional leagues where teams are city-based 3Ice will follow rugby 7s, Big3 basketball, Premier Lacrosse League and similar efforts where teams go on the road and play in a different locale each week, but not representing any particular city.
Johnston said they believe the “touring model will add some excitement to it,” as each stop becomes an event for fans in that city. Year-one the model will see 3ICE visit eight cities though its regular season, and culminate with a championship weekend in a ninth locale.
The first games are set for June 19, 2021.
One thing the new league looks to be is quick.
There will be no face-offs. After a goal the goaltender fishes the puck out of the net, gives it to a teammate and off they go - ditto after an offside or icing.
Players will not sit in the sin bin either. Instead, calls will be automatic penalty shots.
The idea is to keep games flowing, said Johnston.
The format also focuses on success first and foremost. All eight teams play each Saturday. Win and you play again. Lose the team is done for the week. Sixteen minutes of action and off to watch from the stands.
Keep winning you play three games and win the day.
Johnston said so far the world looks ready for 3ICE. TSN and RDS in Canada will carry the action, CBS Sports stateside.
“They got it right away ... They bought it in the room,” he said, adding while details of course had to be negotiated, there was interest in summer hockey for broadcast.
It helps too that the league earned some early creditability by bringing Hockey Hall of Famer Craig Patrick on as league Commissioner, and fellow Hall of Famers such as Grant Fuhr and Bryan Trottier on as head coaches.
Johnston said such people help attract fan and media interest now, and will help in recruiting players too.
“Players will want to play for this kind of guy,” he said.
And, down the road Johnston said growth potential exists, whether with added teams, added dates, or 3ICE Europe and 3ICE women’s.
