NA3HL Announces New Team in Phoenix, Arizona

The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced that its Board of Governors has approved the membership of the Phoenix Inferno, with the team set to begin play in the 2026-27 season.

President of the Phoenix Inferno, Troy Mick, states the organization’s excitement in joining the NA3HL.

“On behalf of Fire N Ice Arena, CEO Shubham Pandey and I, we would like to formally express our sincere gratitude and excitement in accepting our expansion team into the NA3HL.”

Mick goes into more detail on the team’s goals and commitment to creating a first-class organization.

“We are honored by the opportunity to join such a respected league, and we are committed to building a first-class organization that reflects the standards, integrity, and player development focus of the NA3HL. Bringing junior hockey back to Phoenix is a milestone moment for our community, and we are eager to contribute to the continued growth of the league in the Southwest.”

The Phoenix Inferno will operate out of the brand new 250,000-square-foot Fire N Ice Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The facility is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by August of 2026. The building will house three sheets, with the main arena seating 2,500. Two of the rinks will feature NHL-sized ice, while one sheet will be synthetic ice designed to provide the perfect training surface for their players. The Inferno will have a dedicated locker room and fitness gym, providing players the opportunity to develop to the next level.

Deputy Commissioner of the NA3HL, Tyler Giwerowski, states why this new organization will continue the goal and mission of the NA3HL.

"We are thrilled to welcome the Phoenix Inferno to the NA3HL family. With the sport of hockey continuing to grow throughout the country, especially in the Phoenix area, we are proud to provide local players with the opportunity to compete at a higher level. The brand new facility will provide players with a top-of-the-line experience. In addition, the Inferno will join a competitive South Division that has had success moving players to the NAHL and college hockey.”

The Phoenix Inferno will join the NA3HL’s South Division for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The team will be one of six teams: Austin Ice Bats (Austin, TX), New Mexico Ice Wolves (Albuquerque, NM), Texas Brahmas (North Richland Hills, TX), Tulsa Oilers (Tulsa, OK), and the West Texas Wranglers (Amarillo, TX).

The NA3HL is the only of only three USA Hockey-sanctioned junior leagues and serves as one of the top training grounds in the country by providing the best coaching, exposure, and developmental vehicles available for student-athletes. The NA3HL advances more players to the NAHL, NCAA, and ACHA than any other junior league of its kind.

USA Hockey has been properly notified, and formal approval is expected at their annual meeting in June.