Overview
- IIHF and Milano Cortina organizers confirmed both Olympic rinks will be 60 by 26 meters and said the size complies with federation regulations.
- The federation noted the layout matches the sheet used at Beijing 2022 and in recent NHL Global Series games, calling the variance insignificant for safety and play.
- NHL-standard ice is 200 by 85 feet; the Milan surface will be slightly wider but more than three feet shorter, with both venues using the same dimensions.
- Construction delays pushed a planned test from Santagiulia to the Rho arena, with new tests at the main venue set for Jan. 9–11 less than a month before the tournaments.
- Reports highlighted safety and logistics worries as NHL players return for the first time since 2014, while Gary Bettman said the league has been assured conditions will be acceptable.