Overview
- After three games across the weekend test event, IIHF officials said the new Milano Santagiulia ice met competition standards despite a brief repair stoppage on Friday.
- IOC executive Christophe Dubi reported major progress at the venue and said remaining finish work would not prevent operations.
- Organisers told AFP the number of sellable seats will be 11,800, reduced from a regular 15,300 to accommodate media and delegations.
- NHL leadership, which previously warned players would not go if the rink was not completed or safe, is expected to issue its position following its site review.
- If cleared, NHL players would return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, with the men’s tournament scheduled for Feb. 11–22 and the women’s for Feb. 5–19.