IIHF looking to add new hockey event to Winter Olympics; decision on China looming

Newly-elected IIHF president Luc Tardif has big plans to grow the game during his tenure. One way is, in collaboration with the NHL, explore the relatively untapped Asian market, but the other way is through 3-on-3 events, more specifically, at the Olympic Games.

The NHL adopted 3-on-3 overtime ahead of the 2015-16 season and it's added a level of excitement for not only fans, but players across the league.

Now, the IIHF wants to expand 3-on-3 action, and although the format is unclear, the event could be in place in time for the 2030 Winter Olympics, which could be held in Vancouver, twenty years after Crosby's golden goal.

"We really believe in it," Tardif said Tuesday. "I think it's important to bring a new format. At the moment, the kids are zapping [between channels]. They'd rather play a one-hour game twice than play two-and-a-half hours. They're following on TV four games at a time. So, we have to try to bring a new format."

Tardif also talked about China's potential participation at the 2022 Beijing Olympics during Tuesday's media availability. He said that their participation is not guaranteed, and that the IIHF has Norway, the highest ranked team that didn't qualify, on stand-by in case of a possible change. A final decision is expected to come on Thursday, November 25th.

China is currently playing a two-game series against KHL teams, and the IIHF has several eyes on those games. Today, China lost a hard-fought game in overtime, 5-4, against Amur Khabarovsk, and will play another game on Wednesday.

"It will be our decision. We are on board with IOC. I didn't want to do a diplomatic earthquake alone, just coming as a new president," said Tardif, adding that China has no say in their decision. "It will be our rules. When I say 'our,' that's IOC and IIHF.»

Source: Sportsnet

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