Overview
- Deputy commissioner Bill Daly reiterated that NHL players will not take the ice in Milan if the surface is deemed unsafe, despite the league remaining cautiously optimistic.
- The IIHF confirmed both Milan rinks will be 60.0m x 26.0m, slightly shorter than NHL length, and organizers say the difference is compliant and insignificant for safety or play.
- Commissioner Gary Bettman called the construction delays disappointing, noting no recent Olympics have cut rink completion this close to competition.
- NHL ice technicians are on site and will help assess and prepare the surface, with a test event at Santagiulia scheduled for Jan. 9–11 after Rho hosted youth games where ice firmed up by puck drop.
- There is no definitive backup plan for medal-round games at another venue, and the NHL and NHLPA have told the IIHF they expect NHL-sized ice at the 2030 Winter Games.