KHL launches 3x3 hockey Championship

A New Era for KHL Hockey

The 3x3 championship will feature eight teams: Ak Bars Kazan, Avangard Omsk, Barys Astana, Dynamo Minsk, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, Salavat Yulaev, Sibir Novosibirsk, and Traktor Chelyabinsk. These teams, representing three different countries, will compete in a format designed to maximize speed, excitement, and accessibility. Matches will take place on a specialized 34 x 18-meter rink with minimal markings, emphasizing fluid gameplay.

Sergei Dobrokhvalov, KHL Vice President, emphasized the league’s vision:

“The launch of the 3x3 championship is a step toward engaging the younger generation. This format offers dynamic, fast hockey, with matches lasting about 30 minutes. While games will be held at the 'Southern Ice' near Moscow, our primary focus is on the digital space to attract and engage a new audience.”

Tournament Structure and Calendar

The KHL 3x3 Championship will span from December 2024 to July 2025, comprising 312 matches across 24 rounds. Each round will take place over four days, Thursday through Sunday. Highlights of the format include:

• Game Schedule: Teams will play each other twice per round, with no divisional restrictions.
• "Super Game": Sundays will feature a high-stakes match between the two best-performing teams of the round, with the winner earning a prize of one million rubles. These games won’t impact the tournament standings.

Following the regular season, the top three teams from each division will advance to the Super Final in July 2025. This concluding phase will include a group stage and playoffs, culminating in the championship final on July 13, 2025.

Innovative Gameplay Rules

The 3x3 format introduces several unique rules to enhance its dynamic nature:

• Short Periods: Games consist of three seven-minute periods with minimal interruptions.
• Penalty Shots with Pursuit: Replacing traditional penalties, this feature maintains the game’s momentum.
• Limited Face-Offs: Face-offs occur only at the start of a period and after goals.
• Physical Play Restrictions: Body checks and fights are prohibited, focusing on skill and speed.

Flexible Team Rosters

Teams will manage two types of player rosters: tour and season applications. Each tour roster includes 10 players (two goalies), with at least one veteran player meeting specific experience criteria. Meanwhile, the season roster can include KHL players under two- or three-way contracts, unrestricted free agents over 22, and players who have cleared the waiver process. Importantly, there is no trade deadline, providing teams with flexibility to adjust throughout the season.

An Extended Hockey Season

Andrey Tochitsky, KHL Vice President for Hockey Operations, highlighted the extended timeline:

“This season, not only have we extended the KHL championship until the end of May, but we also allow fans to follow their favorite sport until mid-July. Teams will play nearly every week, with only two breaks for the Fonbet Hockey Stars Week and the Gagarin Cup finals.”

Looking Ahead

The KHL 3x3 Championship represents a bold step toward evolving the game of hockey, blending tradition with innovation. By shortening games, introducing new rules, and leveraging digital engagement, the league aims to captivate a broader, younger audience. As this historic season approaches, excitement builds for a fresh chapter in the world of hockey.

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