At a Glance
- The Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan remains under construction less than a month before Olympic hockey begins
- NHL and players’ union officials attended weekend test events that revealed ongoing challenges with new ice and unfinished facilities
- Women’s hockey starts February 5, men’s competition begins February 6
- Why it matters: NHL participation in the Olympics hinges on arena completion and ice quality for the world’s top players
The NHL and NHL Players’ Association acknowledged ongoing construction challenges at the Milan Olympic hockey venue while maintaining confidence that the arena will be ready for competition next month.
Sophia A. Reynolds reported that league and union officials attended weekend test events at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, where organizers staged games to evaluate the ice surface while workers continue building locker rooms and other essential facilities.
In a joint statement released Monday, the NHL and NHLPA described the test events as “a good trial run and provided important insight into the current status” of construction.
“While challenges are inherent with new ice and a still-under-construction venue, we expect that the work necessary to address all remaining issues will continue around the clock,” the statement read. “The NHL and NHLPA will continue to monitor the situation, standing ready to consult and advise on the work being done to ensure that the local organizing committee, the IOC, and the IIHF deliver a tournament and playing conditions befitting the world’s best players.”
Arena Completion Timeline
The urgency surrounding arena completion intensifies as the Olympic hockey schedule approaches rapidly. Women’s competition begins February 5, followed by men’s games starting February 11.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed receiving reports that the test events went adequately while acknowledging substantial work remains unfinished.
“There are still challenges because the building is still under construction and the ice is new,” Bettman said during a press conference in Buffalo, New York, where he announced the Sabres will host the NHL draft in June.
The commissioner emphasized that despite the league’s concerns, the NHL’s role remains advisory rather than operational.
“We’ve been assured that, or we expect, that everything that needs to be done on a timely basis will get done,” Bettman stated. “But, as you know, it’s not our event. We’re invited guests. But we’ve offered to help and consult and advise as they feel they need and would be appropriate because we do have a little bit of expertise in that area.”
Confidence From Olympic Officials
International Ice Hockey Federation President Luc Tardif and other Milan officials recently expressed confidence that NHL players will participate as scheduled, despite mounting concerns about the incomplete rink with less than a month remaining before the Games.
Bettman indicated he would gain clearer assessment of the situation once he personally visits the Milan site.
“It’s always been important for our players to play best on best at the Olympics,” Bettman noted. “That’s why we agreed to take the break and have them go. In the final analysis, that question has to get answered by the IOC and the IIHF.”
The commissioner’s comments underscore the delicate balance between the NHL’s desire to showcase its players on Olympic ice and the practical challenges of ensuring adequate playing conditions.
Construction Challenges
The weekend test events revealed multiple areas requiring attention before Olympic competition begins. Beyond the incomplete locker rooms, the new ice surface presents its own set of challenges for players accustomed to NHL-caliber conditions.
The joint NHL/NHLPA statement emphasized the organizations’ commitment to monitoring progress while offering expertise to Olympic organizers.
Construction crews face a compressed timeline to complete not only basic infrastructure but also the specialized requirements of international hockey competition, including broadcast facilities, media areas, and player amenities that meet Olympic standards.
NHL Olympic Participation
The league’s return to Olympic participation marks a significant development for international hockey, following previous disputes that kept NHL players absent from several Olympic Games.
The current agreement to pause the NHL season for Olympic competition represents a major commitment from both the league and its players, making arena readiness crucial for the tournament’s success.
AP Hockey Writer John Wawrow in Buffalo, New York, contributed to the original reporting on this developing situation.
