Missing the thrill of 3-on-3 overtime action? Well a new hockey league is soon coming to North America that will service that itch. 3ICE, an independent professional 3-on-3 hockey league is scheduled to debut in June of 2021, providing hockey fans with something to watch between NHL seasons. Though it’s hard to drum up excitement for any sporting league during the current pandemic, 3ICE has certainly grabbed some attention today with the reveal of their first batch of head coaches.
According to Chris Bumbaca of USA Today, the inaugural 3ICE season will have Grant Fuhr, Bryan Trottier, Guy Carbonneau, John LeClair, Angela Ruggiero, Larry Murphy, Joe Mullen and Eddie Johnston behind the benches. That’s six members of the Hockey Hall of Fame, if you weren’t counting. Craig Patrick serves as the league’s commissioner.
When the league begins to play, games will be broadcast by TSN and CBS Sports on Saturday nights. 56 players, none of which have been announced yet, will make up the league. All eight teams will compete each week in a tournament-style showcase.
I hope this takes off, as I started to realize I really only watch baseball because there is nothing else going in the summer.
6 of the 10 names announced also had strong ties to the 90’s Penguins.
That’s no mistake. EJ Johnston (Ed’s son) is the league’s founder and CEO.