Overview
- The arena hosted its first public test game Friday, which was paused briefly when a hole formed in the ice before staff patched it and play resumed.
- Reporters on site described soft, snowy ice and ongoing construction throughout public and team areas, with temporary facilities and a reduced sellable capacity near 11,800.
- NHL and NHLPA representatives are conducting inspections through the test weekend, with the league expected to issue a statement afterward on player participation.
- IOC sport director Pierre Ducrey and Games operations chief Andrea Francisi said they are confident the venue will be ready and that NHL players will take part.
- Ice master Don Moffatt called the defect a normal first-use issue and said the sheet can improve, as organizers work toward the women’s Feb. 5 start and men’s Feb. 11 on IIHF-size ice slightly shorter than NHL dimensions.