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In a shared declaration issued on Monday, the National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) expressed contentment that the trial activities at the recently constructed hockey venue for the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games served as “a beneficial preliminary exercise and offered crucial understanding into the present state” of its development.
Representatives from both the league and the players’ union attended the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Italy during the recent weekend. There, event planners staged matches to evaluate the ice conditions, even as the completion of locker rooms and other necessary amenities remains ongoing. The women’s competition is scheduled to commence on February 5th, with the men’s competition following on February 11th.
“Despite the inevitable difficulties associated with newly laid ice and a facility still undergoing construction, we anticipate that the efforts required to resolve all outstanding concerns will persist uninterruptedly,” they conveyed in their statement. “The NHL and NHLPA intend to keep tracking the developments, prepared to offer guidance and counsel on the tasks being undertaken to guarantee that the local organizing committee, the [International Olympic Committee], and the [International Ice Hockey Federation] provide a competition and playing environment suitable for elite athletes globally.”
Representatives in Milan, notably Luc Tardif, president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, recently conveyed optimism regarding the participation of NHL athletes next month as planned. Unease had been growing due to the fact that the ice rink remained unfinished less than a month prior to the Games’ commencement.
Gary Bettman, the NHL commissioner, indicated that, based on the reports he was given, the trial events proceeded acceptably, although he conceded that additional work still needs to be finalized.
“Difficulties persist since the structure is still being built and the ice surface is freshly installed,” Bettman remarked in Buffalo, N.Y., where he disclosed that the Sabres would host the NHL draft in June. He added, “We have received assurances, or at least anticipate, that all necessary tasks will be completed within the required timeframe.”
He continued, “However, as you are aware, this event is not ours to manage. We are attending as invited participants. Nevertheless, we have extended our offer to assist, consult, and advise should they deem it necessary and fitting, given our considerable experience in this domain.”
Bettman anticipates gaining a clearer understanding of the situation in Milan upon his arrival.
“The opportunity for our athletes to compete against the finest at the Olympics has consistently held significant importance,” Bettman stated. “For this reason, we consented to pause our season and allow them to participate. Ultimately, the International Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation must provide the answer to that question.”
CBC Sports senior contributor Chris Jones says the Olympic hockey rink won’t be fully finished for the start of Milano Cortina 2026, as he gives an inside look at the host cities’ preparations three weeks from the Opening Ceremony.
