Fast, Fierce, Female: Inside the Debut of Women’s 3v3 Hockey at Ice in Paradise

By Wendy Altman

Photos by David Kafer

Last year, The Cube in Santa Clarita hosted a 3-on-3 women’s tournament—many of us from Ice in Paradise joined in and had a blast. The format was fun, the energy was high, but we saw room to grow—especially in supporting the development of players at all skill levels.

That’s how the 3-on-3 Santa Barbara Hockey-a-Trois Women’s Tournament at Ice in Paradise was forged from glitter, grit, and damn good intentions. We launched our own 3-on-3 tournament to ensure women could play against others at a similar pace and skill level. Whether you're just starting out or playing at an advanced level, there’s a place for you at Hockey-a-Trois. And 3-on-3 20-minute games make it easy. You need fewer players. Games are fast. Everyone gets more puck time. Plus, the format fits real life. We designed this tournament with women’s schedules in mind.

Lexine Yurco, #82, and team breakaway with the puck

On July 19th, over 50 women across 11 teams—novice, intermediate, and advanced—competed in an event that was competitive, inclusive, and fun. It was a sparkling, raging success. It came together because Gen King, Kim Long, Kim Porter, and Lindsay Coony share a love for 3-on-3 and a belief in growing women’s hockey from the inside out. We’re not waiting for someone else to build it—we’re building it ourselves.

To all the teams that participated in our inaugural event, thank you! Congratulations to all the teams that participated - Dia de los Unicorn Muertos, Bad News Babes, Red Lions 1, SoCal Sea Otters, Red Lions 2, Toxic Unicorns, Hawaii 5 Holes, Conflict Corns, Raging Unicorns, Rampage, and Unicorn Riot. We hope to see you next year!

Kim Long (in green), a transplanted New Yorker who now calls Ice in Paradise her home rink, chases down the puck

We’re also incredibly grateful for the men who showed up with real support. From the referees who stepped in, to Dave Kafer, who captured the moments and helped spread the word, to Tom Donnelly, who brought us unexpected joy with his recorder skills—they backed us without taking over. That matters.

If you want to sharpen your game, compete with heart, or just love being on the ice—Hockey-a-Trois 2026 is for you.

Lace up. Let’s play.

Gen King, Lindsay Coony, and Syd Conrad defend their goal.

Amy Park (in white) reaches for the puck.