NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed his disappointment regarding the delay in completing the primary arena for hosting ice hockey at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. With less than two months remaining before the Games, the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is still under construction, and the ice installation is anticipated to happen by late December or early January. This tight schedule leaves minimal room for adjustments in case of any ice-related issues.
Constructed with temporary ice by a private company, the arena’s delayed progress impacts not only the return of NHL players to the Olympics after a prolonged absence but also the women’s hockey tournament. Bettman emphasized the challenges faced in preparing the players for the event, including the need to plan a two-week season shutdown. The incomplete status of the arena at this stage is disappointing, according to Bettman.
Ice technicians and experts from the NHL are currently in Italy to provide their expertise. They recently attended a test event at the Rho Ice Hockey Arena, the secondary venue in Milan, where reports indicated satisfactory ice conditions. However, the ultimate test of the ice quality will occur during a simulated Olympic tournament from January 9-11 at the Santagiulia Arena.
Bettman highlighted the unprecedented lateness in completing the ice facilities for the Olympics, warranting caution from the NHL. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly reiterated that player safety remains paramount, emphasizing that NHL players will not participate if the ice conditions are deemed unsafe.
Meanwhile, International Olympic Committee officials expressed confidence in the ice quality following positive reports from the Rho Arena tests. Despite concerns about the delayed completion of the Santagiulia Arena, officials believe the ongoing testing bodes well for the forthcoming ice production. The Santagiulia Arena is expected to host significant hockey events during the Olympics, including the medal games.
Although the main arena’s construction progress remains a concern, the issue regarding ice surface dimensions has been resolved. The NHL-sized ice surfaces in both arenas will be slightly shorter in length but wider, adhering to IIHF regulations and ensuring safety and gameplay quality. Daly acknowledged past misunderstandings with the IIHF regarding ice dimensions but emphasized the priority of ensuring player safety before the tournament commences.