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NHL Ties Olympic Participation to Milan Rink Still Under Construction

NHL player involvement depends on a completed, safe ice surface at Santagiulia.

Overview

  • A December test was rescheduled to Jan. 9–11, and organizers say there is no backup venue or plan.
  • The IIHF approved a 196.85-by-85.3-foot sheet that is shorter than the NHL’s 200-by-85 standard, prompting safety and playability concerns from team officials.
  • NHL representatives reported “positive forward progress” after a site visit, with further monitoring ongoing and the IOC expecting completion in mid-December.
  • The NHLPA says ice quality is the primary concern, with a heavy early schedule expected to put the surface under strain.
  • Santagiulia is slated to host 33 games including both gold-medal finals, starting with a women’s game on Feb. 5, and the NHL reportedly has no contingency if it withholds players.