Great Britain, Austria, Estonia, Germany, Hungary and the Netherlands to compete at the historic tour-opener
The line-up for the first-ever Ultimate Hockey – Breaking the Ice Tour event in Innsbruck is now complete and Great Britain Men will be part of it.
Five other teams – Austria, Estonia, Germany, Hungary and the Netherlands – have officially confirmed their participation in the global premiere of the new 3×3 ice hockey series.
Taking place from 10th to 12th April – in front of the Olympiaworld Innsbruck – the event marks the international launch of Ultimate Hockey as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck.
The confirmed nations represent a dynamic cross-section of established and emerging ice hockey countries, underlining the international ambition of the Breaking the Ice Tour.
The compact and high-intensity 3×3 format promises fast-paced games, technical excellence and emotional rivalries in a unique urban setting.
“With six strong teams confirmed, the sporting level of our premiere event will be outstanding,” said Markus Valier, Founder of ProOxy AG.
“The mix of traditional hockey nations and ambitious programmes reflects exactly what Ultimate Hockey stands for: innovation, opportunity and international connectivity.”
IIHF President, Luc Tardif, said: “The teams are confirmed, the city is ready and now the stage is set for an incredible
competition.
“We have received a very strong response from our Member Federations eager to participate, underlining the growing excitement around 3×3 ice hockey.
“The teams competing in Innsbruck reflect the full strength of our World Rankings — from the Top Division through to Division I B — ensuring a highly competitive standard of ice hockey from the opening face-off.
“Kicking-off in Innsbruck will provide a great platform for fans around the world to experience the speed, skill and
intensity of 3×3 ice hockey right in the heart of a major city and bring them closer to the action than ever before.
The event will be played over three game days with a total of 17 games. The teams compete in two groups and play in a group stage double round-robin format followed by a placement game to determine rank five and six, semi-final, Bronze and Gold Medal Game.
The Breaking the Ice Tour combines elite-level sport with urban entertainment, transforming city centres into vibrant festival environments.
Alongside the matches, live concerts, DJ performances, street-food markets, light installations and interactive experience zones will create a new kind of sportainment platform, attracting young audiences, families and urban communities.
With the team roster now finalised, preparations enter their final phase as Innsbruck gets ready to welcome players and fans from across Europe for the historic first stop of the Ultimate Hockey – Breaking the Ice Tour.