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≡ ICE HOCKEY ICE ≡
While the controversial sliding track for bobsled, luge and skeleton was completed on time and World Cup events are now being there, the continuing worry over the construction of the new Milan arena – the PalaItalia Santa Giulia – has not abated.
While the test event for the arena has now been set for 9-11 January, the ice sheet is a little short of NHL dimensions – it’s a European facility, so built to metric size – and there are concerns over the quality of the ice.
So, the Milan organizers felt the need to send out a Monday statement:
“The [International Ice Hockey Federation] can confirm that the ice surfaces for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will measure 60.0 m x 26.0 m (approximately 196.85 ft. x 85.3 ft).
“While these dimensions differ slightly from a typical NHL rink, they are consistent with IIHF regulations, match the rink size used at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and are fully consistent with the dimensions the NHL requires as part of its Global Series Game arena specifications.
“All involved, the IIHF, the Organizing Committee, NHL, NHLPA, IOC and the relevant venue authorities agree that the differences in rink specifications are insignificant, and should not impact either the safety or quality of game play. We look forward to welcoming the world’s best players for a best-on-best competition at the Games.”
In an interview with Sportsnet.ca, NHL Players’ Association Assistant Executive Director Ron Hainsey explained that the quality of the ice is of more concern than the slightly shorter dimensions, pointing to the NHL Global Series games in Sweden, when Nashville and Pittsburgh played on a 197-feet-long ice sheet.
But in Milan, Hainsey noted that five matches will be played in about 30 hours on the first two days of the men’s tournament at the Santa Giulia Arena; it’s actually six matches in about 35 hours:
● 12 February: 12:10 p.m.: Switzerland vs. France
● 12 February: 4:40 p.m.: Czech Rep. vs. Canada
● 12 February: 9:10 p.m.: Latvia vs. U.S.
● 13 February: 12:10 p.m.: Finland vs. Sweden
● 13 February: 4:40 p.m.: France vs. Czech Rep.
● 13 February: 9:10 p.m.: Canada vs. Switzerland
He stated that “the health and safety of our players while playing on any surface will not be compromised,” and that was the biggest concern.
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