> At a Glance
> – The Milan-Cortina main hockey rink may miss full completion before the Feb. 11 men’s opener
> – Playing surface, locker rooms and practice rinks will be ready, vows IIHF chief
> – Arena capacity capped at 11,800, below initial plans
> – Why it matters: NHL stars return to the Games after a 12-year gap, and ice safety is under global scrutiny
With NHL talent headed back to Olympic ice for the first time since 2014, organizers are scrambling to finish the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan.
Construction Crunch
IIHF President Luc Tardif admitted Monday that while the essential competition areas are on track, other sections could still be works-in-progress when the puck drops.
> “We can be confident on that. You’re not going to go to Milano for nothing,”
> Tardif said at the world junior championship.
The main bowl will seat 11,800-slightly fewer than originally envisioned. Tardif called the setup “nice” but conceded the number is “a little bit short.”
Ice Dimensions Stir NHL Worries
- Rinks will be three feet shorter and a touch wider than agreed NHL specs, though still within IIHF rules
- League officials fear sub-standard ice and have dispatched their own inspectors
- Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner, warned player participation hinges on safety
Next Steps
Tardif will travel to Italy this week with NHL and NHLPA representatives for a test event. He remains upbeat about the infrastructure quality.
> “We would have liked to sleep much better … I think we will have a good competition, but maybe you can ask me the question after (this week).”
The IIHF oversees tournament rules, yet construction accountability sits with the IOC and local organizers.
Key Takeaways
- Feb. 5 women’s opener and Feb. 11 men’s opener remain unchanged
- Ice sheet size dispute sets a precedent-NHL wants standard NHL dimensions restored for 2030 France Games
- Visitor essentials-playing surface, locker rooms, practice rinks-are confirmed ready despite ongoing build-out
The coming week’s test event will determine whether lingering doubts melt away before Olympic hockey’s spotlight returns.
