Belfast will stage the first-ever 3ICE World Cup next July, with full player rosters now confirmed for the international three-on-three ice hockey tournament.

The competition takes place at the SSE Arena on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2026 and features national teams from Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

3ICE hockey uses a continuous-play format with two eight-minute periods, designed for high-speed attacking action. Organisers bill it as one of the fastest versions of the sport.

The Great Britain team will be led by Belfast Giants head coach Adam Keefe, who serves as both captain and coach. The squad includes Giants forward Ciaran Long, Sheffield Steelers goaltender Lucas Brine, Guildford Flames forward Josh Waller, Cardiff Devils player Bayley Harewood, and forward Logan Neilson. Harrison Blaisdell, a 2019 NHL Draft selection, and Cameron Briere, who recently played NCAA hockey for the University of Nebraska-Omaha, also feature.

Keefe stated the group was assembled for its speed, skill and competitiveness in a format requiring quick thinking and creativity.

Former Giants forward Patrick Grasso will skate for the United States team, coached by Ken Daneyko, a three-time Stanley Cup champion. Canada is guided by four-time Cup winner Larry Murphy, Sweden by two-time champion Johnny Oduya, and Finland by Olympic medallist Raimo Helminen. Other coaches include Christian Wohlwend (Switzerland), Ron Pasco (Germany) and Ryan Kinasewich (Austria).

Grasso said he looked forward to playing again in front of Belfast supporters and described the tournament as an honour.

E.J. Johnston, founder and CEO of 3ICE, called the event a global showcase that combined elite players from top leagues with Hall of Fame coaches.

The tournament forms part of Northern Ireland’s wider ‘America 250’ programme marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Rosters remain subject to change, and tickets are now on sale via the official tournament website.