Underground Group XHL, Also Known as 3HL, Accused of Various Criminal Activities
3HL Hockey: A Rising Star in Betting Markets
In an intriguing development for sports enthusiasts and bettors alike, specialized bookmakers are offering opportunities to wager on the "short" or "mini" hockey league known as 3HL (Xtreme Hockey League). However, the unique nature and rules of this hockey tournament are yet to be fully familiarized among all bettors. To help navigate this exciting but uncharted territory, we delve into its origins, key features, and the betting markets available.
Origin and Setup
First introduced in the USA in 2003, mini-hockey eventually found its way to Russia in 2009. The Russian Hockey Federation established the 3HL (Xtreme Hockey League) aimed at nurturing hockey in regions, fostering young talent, and elevating their play levels. The initial participant age range was 16-20 years, and only since 2019 has the league welcomed experienced hockey players from the VHL, KHL, and even the NHL. This addition marked a significant leap in the development and performance of young players, with many current KHL players starting their journey in this league.
The tournament follows a 3x3 format, meaning each team fields three field players, and no icing or "offside" occurs. Unlike traditional hockey, body checking is prohibited. Disregard of rules leads to a penalty shot with the pursuing opponent. Penalties are administered, but instead of the guilty player serving time, another hockey player takes their place. The 2x3 (shorthanded) format is not provided.
If a team is in the attacking zone, a successful shot must be preceded by at least one pass. The championship spans a regular season and playoffs, with up to seven players comprising a team's roster. A match consists of three periods of 7 minutes of "clean" time, with breaks totaling 2 minutes. In case of a tie, a shootout series follows. Points are awarded in a manner similar to other hockey leagues, with a victory earning 2 points, a draw in regular time or a loss in the shootout series netting 1 point.
3HL Betting Markets
Some bookmakers now offer live betting on matches in this league, such as BC Betcity for the match "Ostankino - Tsaritsyno". Despite a limited selection of basic bet types, bettors must exercise caution when focusing on outcomes due to high margins, which can significantly impact long-term profitability.
In contrast, probing the market for totals, where the margin hovers around 8%, may offer a more promising avenue. Given the high scoring nature of 3HL matches, where 8-10 goals are not uncommon, it's essential to investigate opponents before placing a wager. The official league website, xhl.ru, serves as an essential resource, offering team compositions, match results, protocols, and goal timings. The site also houses videos of all matches, which can aid in conducting a comprehensive analytical evaluation.
For instance, if teams with strong and productive attacks lack reliable goalkeepers, wagering on the Over in a match could be a safe option.
Unique Aspects of 3HL Betting
Several noteworthy aspects distinguish 3HL betting from traditional hockey leagues:
- Bookmaker analysts often make mistakes when setting odds for 3HL matches, securing themselves with consistently high margins, often around 13%.
- Tournaments in this league are characterized by high scoring.
- The official league website offers a wealth of information and videos, facilitating insightful analysis and aiding in selecting promising matches for Over bets.
- You can wager on 3-on-3 hockey at BetCity's sportsbook.
In the realm of nhl and hockey sports, specialized bookmakers now offer betting opportunities on the 3HL (Xtreme Hockey League), which, though rising in popularity, remains unfamiliar to many bettors due to its unique rules and origins. Given the high-scoring nature and distinctive betting markets available, a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating league is crucial for bettors to navigate uncharted territories and optimize their wagering strategies.
