Overview
- A test match at the new Santa Giulia arena was paused in the first period after a large hole opened in the ice near a goal.
- Organizers are using Jan. 9–11 Italian league and Cup games to validate the venue after earlier youth events were moved off-site.
- IOC sports director Pierre Ducrey said there is no doubt the arena will be ready, with construction scheduled to finish just before the Feb. 5 women’s hockey start.
- NHL leaders, including Gary Bettman and Bill Daly, have warned that players could decline Olympic participation if ice conditions are not proven safe.
- ESPN reported that teams will use mobile trailer locker rooms, training times may shift based on ice quality, and temporary mats will route players to the rink.