A new era of hockey launches in Innsbruck as part of the 50th anniversary of the Olympic Winter Games

ProOxy AG, in cooperation with the International Ice Hockey Federation(IIHF), today announced Innsbruck as the first official host city of the “Ultimate Hockey – Breaking the Ice Tour”, marking the global kick-off of the new 3x3 ice hockey event series.

The first Ultimate Hockey – Breaking the Ice event will take place from April 10 to 12, 2026, in front of the Olympiaworld Innsbruck, and forms part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck– a strong symbolic setting for the launch of a modern, future-oriented hockey format.

The tour brings the fast-paced, urban 3x3 ice hockey format directly into city centers, transforming public spaces into high-energy hockey arenas. Innsbruck, with its unique Olympic legacy, strong sporting heritage and Alpine-urban character, provides the ideal backdrop for the international premiere.

“Starting the Breaking the Ice Tour in Innsbruck is a strong statement,” said Markus Valier, Founder of ProOxy AG. “Launching the tour in an Olympic city during such a historic anniversary perfectly reflects what Ultimate Hockey stands for: respect for tradition combined with innovation, speed and accessibility.”

Ultimate Hockey is a complementary, modern discipline of ice hockey. Played 3-on-3 on a smaller surface with two 12-minute periods of effective playing time, the game is defined by continuous action, quick decisions and maximum intensity. The format is designed to meet contemporary viewing habits while attracting new audiences to the sport.

The IIHF has been instrumental in the global development of 3x3 ice hockey, including its successful introduction at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2020 and 2024. As part of its ICE26 strategic plan, the federation continues to promote innovative formats that make ice hockey more accessible worldwide.

Luc Tardif, IIHF President, commented: “Launching the Breaking the Ice Tour in Innsbruck is fantastic. Its rich hockey heritage makes it the perfect setting to kick things off and creates a great environment for the players—and most of all, the fans. Being part of the 50th Olympic anniversary celebrations makes it even more special, providing an exceptional stage for 3x3 ice hockey.”

The City of Innsbruck also welcomes the event as a strong signal for urban sport and international visibility. “Hosting the opening stop of the Ultimate Hockey – Breaking the Ice Tour in the anniversary year of the Olympic Winter Games will underline Innsbruck’s role as an innovative and forward-looking sports city,” says Mayor Johannes Anzengruber. “An event like this uniquely connects elite sport, urban culture and Olympic history.”

Alongside Ultimate Hockey will be the SPORT VALUES SUMMIT, which will bring together experts and thought leaders who will highlight the multifaceted significance and value of sport for society. “Ultimate Hockey is not just a new and spectacular sport; our aim is to inspire people to engage in sport and physical activity in general,” says sports scientist Wolfgang Suitner, Head of Education and Relationship at ProOxy AG.

For the Province of Tyrol, raising public awareness through the summit is of great importance. “Any initiative that encourages people to improve their health, mindset and performance through physical activity is most welcome,” says State Councillor for Sport and Deputy Governor Philip Wohlgemuth. “As the first host city of the Europe-wide Breaking the Ice Tour, Tyrol once again lives up to its reputation as a leading sports region.”

With Innsbruck as the starting point, the Ultimate Hockey – Breaking the Ice Tour sets the stage for a global series that brings ice hockey closer to people, cities and a new generation of fans.