Overview
- IIHF President Luc Tardif said there is "no reason that the NHL will not come" following the weekend test event at Milan’s Santagiulia arena.
- IOC executive Christophe Dubi lauded rapid progress and described the competition area as looking "fantastic" after observing multiple games.
- A small hole briefly stopped the inaugural test game, but subsequent matches proceeded on a stable surface that officials said met expectations.
- An NHL delegation spent several days evaluating the venue and ice quality, with initial feedback characterized as positive and a formal league update expected.
- Organizers confirmed operational tradeoffs, including 11,800 sellable seats and continued work on locker rooms, hospitality spaces, and temporary media areas.